Suicide Prevention Month
By Alex Rabaron, sophomore, iPrep Academy
By Alex Rabaron, sophomore, iPrep Academy
According to the JED Foundation, a nonprofit that supports teens and young adults for suicide prevention and other health issues, Suicide Awareness Month is a time to spread hope and information to anyone who is in need. According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, this month focuses on raising suicide awareness, which is often stigmatized and considered to be a taboo topic. Its purpose is trying to shift the public perception and sharing vital information to people who have been affected by suicide
There are many resources for awareness and assistance. For example, the JED Foundation has a great website where everyone can find resources and links to organizations within your community that can assist a person in their moment of need and for those who long for a sense of belonging.
There are many resources for awareness and assistance. For example, the JED Foundation has a great website where everyone can find resources and links to organizations within your community that can assist a person in their moment of need and for those who long for a sense of belonging.
New suicide hotline
Another great resource is SAMHSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This resource originated the 988 hotline created for suicidal ideations, substance abuse, or any kind of emotional distress. Once people call this new number, they are able to talk, text, or chat with professional counselors/therapists who can give proper advice and resources to help the person through their crisis. If a person is in a crisis and makes the call, the first responder will ask about demographics (age, name, address) and then proceed to make sure the person is in a safe environment and make up a plan to properly help them. |
SAMHSA explains that 988 was released July 2022, and is designated to be a new version of the suicide awareness lifeline. The three digits, 988, is easier to remember in an emergency. If one calls 988, a therapist would answer and talk to the caller to help them immediately. The therapists also work with dispatchers and first responders to find the best solution and assess what is needed for each caller. The old hotline number (1-800-273-8255) automatically transfers to the new hotline- 988.
Why is this important?
Suicide awareness month is extremely important. Since 2020 (Covid), youth have been staying home, and as a result, they become more depressed. Whilst online school was going on, kids felt depressed since no one was able to go outside or hang out with their friends. School was an escape for some kids in bad homes. This caused mental health issues across most teens in the world. According to “UCLA Health,” around 20% of high school students have thought about suicide and 9% have attempted suicide.
Why is this important?
Suicide awareness month is extremely important. Since 2020 (Covid), youth have been staying home, and as a result, they become more depressed. Whilst online school was going on, kids felt depressed since no one was able to go outside or hang out with their friends. School was an escape for some kids in bad homes. This caused mental health issues across most teens in the world. According to “UCLA Health,” around 20% of high school students have thought about suicide and 9% have attempted suicide.
When is it time to ask for help?
Asking for mental help is difficult, but troubled teens should make sure they are talking to a trusted adult or counselor that can properly help. According to the American Psychological Association in an online article about teen suicide prevention, some warning signs include:
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How to tell your friend is in need- another way to help?
Our iPrep Student Services Support Specialist, Ms. Dominguez, gave some very helpful information to those who are able to help a friend and notice if one of your peers are going through emotional distress or mental illness. Some warning signs to keep in mind are:
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Additionally, helping a friend in need could save lives. Even though it can be scary, friends can do good by reaching out. As stated by journalist Crystal Raypole in her article “My Friend Is Talking About Suicide. How Can I Help?” from Healthline, do not assume a friend is doing this for attention, so take any red flags seriously. Having a talk with a friend who is going through emotional distress can be very helpful for them to open up about their emotions. Start up a conversation in a safe environment where it is safe to express concerns freely and listen without judging. Try not to solve problems, but instead give them ways to cope or ideas of how to go through these challenges. Giving them resources to professionals can be more helpful for them in the long run.
Other coping mechanisms cited by Ms. Dominguez:
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Works Cited
Dominguez, Angie. Interview. 7 September 2022.
SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, https://www.samhsa.gov. Accessed 15 September 2022.
Duckworth, Ken. “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM).” NAMI, https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM).
Legg, Timothy J. “How to Help a Suicidal Friend: 11 Tips.” Healthline, 16 December 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-help-a-suicidal-friend.
“The Lifeline and 988 : Lifeline.” National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/. Accessed 15 September 2022.
“Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 2021.” The Jed Foundation, https://jedfoundation.org/suicide-prevention-awareness-month-2021/.
“Suicide statistics.” AFSP, https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/.
Dominguez, Angie. Interview. 7 September 2022.
Dominguez, Angie. Interview. 7 September 2022.
SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, https://www.samhsa.gov. Accessed 15 September 2022.
Duckworth, Ken. “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM).” NAMI, https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM).
Legg, Timothy J. “How to Help a Suicidal Friend: 11 Tips.” Healthline, 16 December 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-help-a-suicidal-friend.
“The Lifeline and 988 : Lifeline.” National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/. Accessed 15 September 2022.
“Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 2021.” The Jed Foundation, https://jedfoundation.org/suicide-prevention-awareness-month-2021/.
“Suicide statistics.” AFSP, https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/.
Dominguez, Angie. Interview. 7 September 2022.