September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted by suicide.

Middle-aged people, especially men, have the highest rate of suicide compared to other groups. Eighty percent of all deaths by suicide in the U.S. are among men and women aged 45-54. Men aged eighty-five and older have the highest rate of any group in the country. Many factors contribute to this risk, including isolation, a history of violence, and access to lethal means.

Recently, the mental health crisis among teens has increased our awareness of their needs and potential risk of suicide. Losing a loved one to suicide can be profoundly painful for family and friends.

Many of us think, “Suicide cannot happen in my family.” But don’t be naïve; it can happen in any family that has members diagnosed with mental illness. As a mother and grandmother, I have lived many years with the knowledge and fear of two family members at risk for suicide, or actual attempts of suicide several times. For years, I “walked on eggshells” and experienced many sleepless nights thinking that I could prevent my loved one from choosing this action. Today, I have reached the phase that I call “radical acceptance.” I have learned to accept the possibility of suicide and have educated myself about how to be helpful and supportive.

What should you do if you know someone who has suicidal behavior?  Talking with someone about their thoughts and feelings can save a life.  So, the first step is to “ask” – “Are you considering self-harm or killing yourself?” or “Do you have dark thoughts?”  This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide. When a healthcare professional asked my family member recently about suicide, he replied “I always have a plan, it is a part of how I live.”  Additional action steps are listed below if you are with or know someone who is in danger of suicide.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide, whether it is in their family or not. For instance, our WMPC faith community can work to prevent suicide simply by helping people navigate the struggles of life to find a sustainable sense of hope, meaning, and purpose. We all can encourage individuals to engage in self-care and behavioral health care.  At White Memorial, a Stephen Minister can be a lifesaver when one is overwhelmed with life struggles and needs support. Again, it is the connection (presence) of a caring person that can make a real difference.  The Mental Health Ministry Team in Congregational Care strives to provide resources and educational programs that offer support, healing, and a sense of community, and to create awareness about mental health and wellness. We invite anyone interested to join our ministry team.

Author:  Sheron K. Sumner, Ph.D.
WMPC member and Mental Health Ministry Team Member