Help is always available

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to ponder the risks and sad truth of suicide. It is to learn how to prevent others from taking their lives and to realize that no one is alone in their struggles. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month takes place in September. Since 2002, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has “out of the darkness walks,” where people walk with others to feel like they are never alone. The surprising statistic of suicide is that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. More than 720,000 people commit suicide every year. For 15 to 29-year-olds it’s an even higher risk as it is the third leading cause. The reasons for suicide usually are heavily influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Suicide is high among groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees, immigrants, Indigenous and the LGBTQ+ community.

The World Health Organization has beneficial information on how to avoid the temptation of suicide or to tip others to prevent those actions. It is to live L.I.F.E. This acronym stands for: Limit access to the means of suicide (for example, pesticides, firearms, certain medications), interact with trusted adults for responsible reporting of suicide, foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents and early identify, assess, manage, and follow up with anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviors.

“My thoughts on suicide prevention awareness month are that this month shows that anyone who is struggling has resources because everyone should have someone to go talk to. I think that this month just signifies a month, but over the entire year, people are there to help you out.” says Sufeeyan Chagani, who is a freshman at Deerfield Beach High.

Knowing who to talk to at a difficult time in your life can be stressful, and it takes a lot of courage to express your feelings to someone. If someone ever needs help, get H.E.L.P. It stands for: How much knowledge is notable about the person, evaluating how much the person cares about the situation, listening to how they treat others and plan on how to express feelings to the person. Everyone needs help sometimes and it’s important that people everywhere are aware they are not alone in their struggles.

For all students, staff or parents/guardians, remember to check in on people. No one knows the silent battles people are fighting, and it is important to note no one must fight these battles alone.

Written by Christian Geschke | Graphic Designed by Christian Geschke

Published September 25, 2024 | ePathfinder | News