National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month And World Suicide Awareness Day

By Adrienne Mickler
Executive Director, Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency

By Sandra O'Neill
Director, Behavioral Health

Since 2003, September 10 has been set aside as World Suicide Prevention Day, with September later becoming Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. This is a time to recognize those we have lost to suicide and support the people and communities impacted by suicide. Suicide prevention is possible, and anyone can help prevent suicide. This is also a time to share information, learn what steps you can take and spread hope in the lives of those around you.

One life lost to suicide is one too many!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every 40 seconds someone takes their own life. This equates to more than 700,000 deaths worldwide every year due to suicide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2021:

• 48,183 people died by suicide in the United States, equal to 132 suicides each day.
  
  
• Suicide rates in 2021 were almost twice as high as homicides (26,031).
  
  
• Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death overall in the United States.
  
  
• In the United States, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, third leading cause of death among those between the ages of 15-24, and fifth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.

As reported in the Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s 2023 Report of Community Health Indicators, suicide was one of the top 10 causes of death in the county in 2021, with 74 deaths by suicide reported.

Awareness is key to preventing a suicide

There is no single cause of suicide but knowing what may increase someone’s chance of having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide, and what warning signs to look for, could help save a life. Risk factors like mental health conditions, substance use issues, extended periods of stress, discrimination and generational trauma may increase someone’s chance of having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide. Warning signs include withdrawing from activities they previously enjoyed, sleeping too much or too little, isolating from friends or family, increased alcohol or drug use and talking about suicide or feeling hopeless. If someone is showing any of these signs, they may be in crisis and need additional help.

Another way to help is to speak up. Many myths about suicide contribute to stigma and prevent people from asking for help. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will not increase their risk. Instead, talking about our own experiences and providing a safe and understanding environment can save a life.

We can also take action to support factors that can spread hope and help protect against risk factors. These are called protective factors and include developing positive coping and problem-solving skills, healthy relationships, support from loved ones and feeling connected to community. The Anne Arundel County Suicide Prevention Coalition was formed to unite community members and public health professionals to address suicide in our county. To learn more about the mission of the coalition, its workgroups, and how to join meetings, contact suicide-prevention@aacounty.org or 410-222-6371.

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, the Anne Arundel County Warmline is open 24/7 at 410-768-5522 to provide support and resources. Statewide, anyone in crisis can get help by dialing 211 for the Maryland Crisis Line or by calling or texting 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and World Suicide Awareness Day (on September 10), we encourage you to learn more about risk factors, warning signs, and how you can offer support to someone in crisis.