Suicide prevention and awareness

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In the United States, suicide is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of mortality. In 2022, 835 suicides (two a day) occurred in Minnesota. Suicide was the eighth most common cause of death in our state from 2011 to 2021. Every 11 minutes, a suicide death will occur in the U.S., and every 28 seconds, someone attempts suicide. People of any age group, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status can experience suicide risk.

What are some of the warning signs of suicide?

• Expressing a desire to end one’s life.
• Increased alcohol or drug consumption.
• Feeling trapped, in despair or in intense pain.
• Mentions of being a burden on others.
• A sense of meaninglessness.

Where can you turn to for help if you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide? Call 911. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988. Text SAVE to 741741.

Providing someone in emotional distress with support and a listening ear can go a long way toward keeping a person alive. By being aware of the warning signs, recognizing who may be at risk and knowing how to help, you can save someone’s life.

Visit Save.org or Take5ToSaveLives.org to learn more.