September Series: Mental Health Awareness: 01 - About Suicide

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September Series: Mental Health Awareness - 01
I’ve decided to start a bit of a series on some mental health topics to raise awareness.  If you haven’t read my story, feel free to read it at: http://hanmichelleb.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-mental-health-story-so-far.html

Introduction to my September Series:

Hey everyone!  September is Suicide Prevention Month - National Suicide Prevention Week is the 10-16 this year, and World Suicide Prevention Day is on Sept. 10th.
This month, instead of focusing on sadness, I’m going to do a series on different mental health topics for awareness and education.   
I’m going to just write up a small piece (hopefully) each day - they will be simple to read.  I might add in some links for more readings if you are interested, but my posts each day will be a few paragraphs or smaller - maybe even just a list.  PLEASE, share these posts.  Talk about the points you found the most interesting.  Talk about your opinions on these things.  TALK about suicide and mental health.  Silence is our biggest obstacle.
As usual - comment, like, share, retweet, message me, or anything else you want - I write these posts to start the conversation on important issues. If you have any specific things you’d like to read about - please just let me know!  (Right now, I have plans to write about anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicide, treatments, coping, and other similar topics.)

Preventing suicide is the biggest cause to get behind.  By preventing suicide, you’re promoting better lives for people worldwide - and what’s bigger or better than that?


01: About Suicide
Suicide is a larger issue than you may think.  The following stats come from AFSP.
  • In America, it is the 10th leading cause of death.
  • Each year - 44,193 Americans die by suicide.
  • For each suicide, 25 attempt [that’s 1,104,825 documented attempts each year].
  • There are about 121 suicides every single day.
  • Firearms are used in 50% of suicides.  
  • Suicide is more common than homicide (NIMH).
Many people would also take this time to list “warning signs,” but I will not do this.  Because honestly, while some cases might have similar warning signs, sometimes, none of these “warning signs” are shown.  


Extra link for today: “Please Stop Saying ‘Committed’ Suicide” from the Mighty:



If you are ever in a crisis, here are some numbers to know (in the US):
9-1-1 (Yes, remember this is an option!)
National Suicide Hotline/AFSP: Call 1-800-273-8255
CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text HOME to 741-741
Others:
Boys Town Suicide Prevention: 800-448-3000
HopeLine: 919-231-4525
The Trevor Project: 212-695-8650
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
The Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1
Deaf/Hard of Hearing:  Lifeline via TTY by dialing 800-799-4889

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