World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. With everything going on in the news and social media, there was virtually no mention of this very important annual event. I've lost many classmates to suicide, and I've always lamented over their deaths. For those who have lost loved ones, I can only imagine the range of emotions that you go through. In researching for my mindfulness blogposts, the goal is to focus your energy internally to be in the present moment. However, suicide prevention focuses on connecting with others. Watching human behavior and recognizing changes in them is key to recovery. 

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
• If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

Many organizations have listed resources online for symptom recognition. Therapists can assist with exploring the root causes for individuals who are not coping well with life or have expressed the desire to harm themselves. The key ingredient is you. Are you checking on family and friends? Is there someone who has been on your mind? Have you noticed subtle/drastic changes in those around you? Does your workplace have programs in place? Your school? Your church? Do you belong to a support circle or an accountability group? You can't save the world, but you can give someone the hope and strength to keep going. People can move forward and get through the situations that they think they can't overcome. 

Individual Impact: 

• 75% of all people who die by suicide are male.    
• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.  
• Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 and the 4^th leading cause of death for people 35-54      
• The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31% since 2001  
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition  
• While half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms.

As we prepare to increase our mindfulness,  let's also incorporate mental health awareness into our schedules. It is shocking how thin the line is between the two. While we are in quarantine, let's strive to improve the quality of our lives and the lives around us.  Let's continue to press towards the mark of the high calling and live our best life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Stay safe and stay healthy.