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Suicide Prevention Month: Understanding, Healing, and Hope



Each September, Suicide Prevention Month invites us to deepen awareness, foster open conversations, and offer hope. As a therapist, I believe it is essential to share both the hard realities and the pathways forward so that no one feels alone, and communities, families, and individuals feel empowered to act. This work is also deeply personal for me, as I lost a brother to suicide, and his memory reminds me why prevention and healing matter so much.


The Scope of the Crisis


  • In 2023, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States, which equals one death every 11 minutes.

  • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

  • For people ages 10 to 34, it is the second leading cause of death.

  • In 2023, about 12.8 million Americans seriously considered suicide, 3.7 million made a suicide plan, and 1.5 million attempted suicide.

  • Firearms account for more than 55 percent of all suicide deaths in the U.S.

  • Globally, approximately 740,000 deaths by suicide occur each year, or one every 43 seconds.


These numbers represent lives, families, and communities. These statistics are alarming, and remind us that prevention and connection matter.


The Inner Experience


Suicidal thoughts often arise in moments of crisis, hopelessness, and constricted thinking. Many people who survive a suicide attempt report that they regretted it immediately.

Suicidal thinking is rarely a calm and rational choice. It often reflects intense pain, distorted thoughts, and a deep desire for relief rather than a true wish to die. Survivors frequently describe ambivalence. A part of them wanted to live even in their darkest moments. Recognizing this ambivalence is important because it shows there is always space for intervention and change.


The Ripple Effect


When someone dies by suicide, the impacts ripple outward:

  • Bereavement and trauma: Families, friends, and coworkers struggle with shock, guilt, and unanswered questions.

  • Stigma and silence: Survivors often feel isolated and burdened by shame or blame.

  • Complicated grief: The risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts can increase for those left behind.

  • Community impact: Suicide can affect schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, sometimes leading to contagion or clustering if not handled sensitively.


Suicide prevention is not only about saving lives in crisis but also about helping people and communities heal after an attempt or loss.


Evidence-Based Approaches That Help


Research shows that suicide is preventable. Here are some approaches that make a difference:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP): Targets suicidal thoughts directly with problem-solving and cognitive restructuring.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and relationships.

  • Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS): A therapeutic framework that centers the drivers of suicidality and builds a stabilization plan together.

  • Family and attachment-based therapies: Strengthen support systems and repair ruptures, especially helpful with adolescents.

  • Means restriction: Reducing access to firearms, medications, or other lethal means has been proven to save lives.

  • Crisis support and follow-up care: Hotlines, safety planning, and follow-up calls provide immediate lifelines and reduce the chance of future attempts.

  • Gatekeeper training: Educating community members to recognize warning signs and take action broadens the safety net.


What You Can Do


If you are struggling yourself:

  • Reach out right away to a crisis line, trusted friend, or therapist.

  • Develop a safety plan that includes coping strategies and contacts.

  • Remove or limit access to lethal means.

  • Stay connected with others and avoid isolation.

  • Use grounding, journaling, or mindfulness practices to cope with overwhelming feelings.


If you are supporting someone else:

  • Learn the warning signs, such as talking about death, hopelessness, withdrawal, or sudden changes in behavior.

  • Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not cause harm, and it shows you care.

  • Listen without judgment and validate their pain.

  • Help them connect to professional support.

  • Check in regularly with simple, caring messages.

  • Support can take a toll, please remember to take care of yourself emotionally and mentally and seek out support from friends, family, and professional sources.


For therapists and professionals:

  • Incorporate collaborative safety planning into routine practice.

  • Stay trained in evidence-based suicide treatments.

  • Check in regularly about suicidal thoughts, even if clients do not bring them up.

  • Provide clear policies and expectations about how suicidal crises are handled.

  • Participate in community education to reduce stigma and promote prevention.


A Message of Hope


Suicide is preventable. Many people go on to live meaningful and fulfilling lives after surviving a suicidal crisis. Healing is possible. Every caring conversation, every safety plan, and every act of compassion has the power to save a life.



Resources


If you or someone you know is in crisis:

You are not alone. Help is always available.

 
 
 

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