Suicide Prevention

*Content Warning: self-harm, suicide, mental health*

*If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or Text the Crisis Text Line (741741)*

Good Morning,

During Covid-19, it’s important to take care of our mental health. Now more than ever, it’s important that we be there for one another and take steps to prevent suicide. Suicide prevention is at the reach of everyone, not just for mental health professionals or organizations (Source). Every year, organizations raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, during National Suicide Prevention Month. Additionally, National Suicide Prevention Week (September 6, 2020-September 12, 2020), is held around World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2020) to remember those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and focus on efforts that direct to treatment who need it most (Source)

Below are some statistics, tips, and resources regarding suicide prevention, though this is only a start to bringing awareness to and preventing suicide and not an exhaustive list.

If you would like to request a AS+K? Suicide Prevention Training delivered by MHA of Greater Houston, you can do so here.

ASK About Suicide to Save A Life™ is a best practice, gatekeeper training that teaches how to identify suicide risk factors, protective factors, warning signs, and appropriate referral strategies. Mental Health America of Greater Houston is currently offering a virtual, 1-hour training.

Facts & Information(Source//Source):

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. It’s the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 15-24.

Since May 2020, there has been a dramatic spike in suicidal or self-harm thinking through screenings. More than 21,000 people reported this, four times the average numbers from November to January

44,000 Americans die by suicide each year. There are 13.8 deaths by suicide per 100,000 persons each year

40% of Trans* adults reported having made a suicide attempt

LGBTQ+ youth are almost 5x more likely to have attempted suicide than non-LGBTQ+ youth

Self-Injury:

General Information, causes, diagnosis, treatment

6 Things to know about Self-Injury

Child & Adolescent Suicide

Back to School: Preventing Suicide

Recognizing Warning Signs & How to Cope

Preventing Suicide in Older Adults

Warning Signs (Source):
*Any of these signs does not mean the person is considering suicide, though several of the symptoms may signal a need for help*