Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide+Prevention+Month

Anna Butler

Suicide prevention month is an event during the month of September to help better understand and prevent suicide. Suicide prevention month was started in 1975 after the (NSPW)  week-long campaign to inform and let health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of it. National Suicide Prevention Week also know as (NSPW) also provides health screenings and test to make sure you are healthy. They target people throughout the ages of 15-34 when stress is at it’s greatest and the risk of suicide is more prominent.

A  great website and program are the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). This program allows high school and college students to get involved with suicide awareness and prevention efforts. The use Public Awareness, Education, Training and Consulting, Grief Support, Products & Resources, and Research and Innovation to help spread the word. One of SAVE’s branch programs is their “SMART” program. It is a suicide prevention program led by students in high schools and on college campuses. This program is designed to give students the freedom to promote suicide prevention program at their school that best fits their school’s needs. Another branch program is the “Let’s Talk About It”. It is a community education program and event designed to provide you, your family and your community the opportunity to learn, ask, and get answers on subjects like mental health, mental wellness, and suicide prevention.

There is one death in the United States caused by suicide every 12 minutes. 80% -90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication that’s why it is so important to get treated because it will most likely help you. I think is it is especially important to have counselors in schools because let’s face it school is stressful and while you might not be suicidal there is always a breaking point. Always remember that you are not alone and it can get better if you let it.

Suicide prevention lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255