Suicide Prevention
September is Suicide Awareness Month.
Around the globe, someone ends their life every 40 seconds.
Let that sink in.
As a counselor, I’ve often listened to my clients talk about ending their own lives. This takes so much courage! I’m always honored and grateful when my clients bravely talk about their thoughts, even and especially the dark ones.
Kids and teens are more likely to think about and commit suicide: one in five adolescents contemplate suicide each day. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people from 10-24.
What many people don’t know is that when I was a teenager, I was suicidal.
While most kids in their senior year of high school are planning on where they will be going to college, I was trying to figure out how to end my life. Loneliness, isolation, and feeling different culminated in a plan to end it all. I became convinced that the only way out was to die.
I thought that ending my own life was the only way to be done with all of the pain. I’m so very grateful that my parents listened to me when I told them that I wanted to end my life, and within the week, I began counseling. This was the first of many steps that helped me become mentally healthy.
As a parent or a loved one of a young person, you may be wondering what you should do if your child or their friend is thinking about ending their life.
Consider the following if someone tells you they are contemplating suicide:
The most important thing is to take it seriously. My parents took me seriously, and I was able to get the help I needed.
Don’t react with shock.
Kids and adults alike need to know that their life matters.
Reach out for help: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255. These are suicide helplines with trained individuals to help guide you through this scary time. Be prepared to call 911 if necessary.
Loving someone in the midst of a crisis is scary. But being in the midst of a crisis yourself is also scary. If you are reading this and you have thought about ending your life, I hope that you reach out for help.
You are worth the help.
You matter.
You aren’t alone.
Take the first step by calling:
1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255
Blessings to you,
Melissa