September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Social Model Recovery Systems stands behind the mission of promoting awareness, support, and resources for those undergoing suicide related issues.
According to SAMHSA, the overall number of US suicide deaths in 2023 was 49,000, with about 1.5 million reporting a suicide attempt. Suicides have also outnumbered homicides from 2011-2020.
Suicide prevention includes focusing on those with suicidal thoughts as well as the community surrounding them. On an individual level, prevention can be simply calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Other support and treatment resources can be found at FindSupport.gov.
Understanding risk factors leading to suicide is another key step in prevention. Risk factors can come from individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Individual risks include untreated mental illnesses. Relationship risks include knowing a loved one who attempted suicide. Community risks include community violence and historical trauma. Societal risks include stigma, racism, and discrimination.
Conversely, protective factors also exist at all four levels, acting as an influence and intervention against suicidal tendencies. Individual-level protective factors include coping skills and positive self-esteem. Relationship-level protective factors include family connectedness and supportive friendships. Community-level protective factors include access to behavioral health services. Societal-level protective factors include cultural identification and anti-discrimination laws.
Even if you are not having suicidal thoughts yourself, it is vital to recognize important warning signs from those around you. Some warning signs for adults include planning a suicide attempt, anxiety or reckless behavior, and talks of feeling hopeless. Warning signs for youth include expressing hopelessness regarding the future, out of context anger or hostility, and recent increased agitation. A comprehensive list of warning signs can be found here.
Community prevention encompasses a varying range of settings, including faith communities, schools, local healthcare organizations, and community centers. On an individual scale, anyone can contribute to suicide prevention by reviewing and understanding suicide related data. Individuals can also explore ways to have a larger impact, including developing, implementing, and practicing suicide prevention techniques.
At Social Model Recovery Systems, we address several co-occurring disorders across our facilities by acting as both a healthcare and community organization, including suicide prevention. Social Model Recovery Systems hosts groups, individual counseling, and workshops teaching and promoting preventative techniques. Additionally, staff across our programs undergo preventative training and techniques.
socialmodel.com
Call 877-507-6242 for confidential support & treatment options if you or someone you care about needs help.
