• Suicide Prevention and Awareness

      Some startling statistics:

      Every year there are approximately 10 teen suicides for every 100,000 teenagers. 

      Every day there are approximately 11.5 teen suicides.

      Every 2 hours and 15 minutes, a person under the age of 25 completes suicide.  

      Based on these alarming statistics, the Centers for Disease Control ranks suicide as the third leading cause of death for teens and young adults between the ages of 15-24.  It also ranks suicide as the fourth leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10-14.  

      Most everyone at some time in his/her life will experience periods of anxiety, sadness, and despair.  These are nominal reactions to the pain of loss, rejection, or disappointment.  However, when a person is unable to effectively handle such adverse life events, this is when he or she may contemplate the thought of suicide.  Oftentimes, their reactions to intense emotional and/or physical pain can leave them mired in hopelessness.  When all hope is lost, some people may feel that suicide is the only solution. Suicide is a permanent solution to what is nearly always a temporary problem.  

      There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions lead fulfilling lives.

      Read about Jason Flatt here https://jasonfoundation.com/about-us/jason-flatt-act/

       

      Additional Resources

      • National Suicide Prevention Line- The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
      • Crisis Text Line- A free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741
      • Lifeline Crisis Chat- National chat network that can provide online emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services.
      • Youth Suicide Warning Signs- Information on the warning signs of suicide and what you can do to help.
      • National Alliance on Mental Illness- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
      • The Campaign to Change Direction- The Campaign to Change Direction encourages all Americans to pay attention to their emotional well-being and aims to change the culture of mental health in America.
      • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) works to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
      • Crisis Center Birmingham- The mission of the Crisis Center is to serve the unmet needs of people experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues and respond with services that promote coping, emotional health and well-being. CRISIS LINE (205) 323-7777
      • The Jason Foundation- The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.
      • American Association of Suicidology- The American Association of Suicidology promotes understanding and prevention of suicide and supports those who have been affected by it.
      • The Trevor Project- The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ you
      • Jason Flat Foundation
      • National Suicide Prevention Life Line