September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention; remember the lives of those lost to suicide; acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted; and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes. Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., and the rate is increasing every year.

Suicide is preventable. By starting conversations, providing support, and directing those who need help, you can help prevent suicide and save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The CDC developed the Suicide Prevention Resource for Action, which provides information on the best available evidence for suicide prevention.

Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can also help save lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves.
• Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions.
• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Withdrawing from family and friends.
• Giving away important possessions.

Below are helpful resources for suicide prevention and awareness:

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was established in 1987 by a group of families who each lost someone to suicide. These families joined with scientists to work toward their vision of establishing a private source of support for suicide research and education so that essential suicide prevention efforts could be sustained in the future. Learn more about the AFSP by clicking here. 
• The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is the only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. SPRC is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Click here to learn more. 
• The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. Click here to access the 988-partner toolkit. 
• Accessible mental health care services are now available to every Texas public school. Many children are struggling with mental health concerns, and many parents have limited access to mental health assessment and treatment services. Every Texas public school has an opportunity to enroll in Texas Child Health Access through Telemedicine (TCHATT) at no cost to the school or parent. Reach TCHATT here to learn more and prepare your school to help.