Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death every year among people aged 15-29 years of age. Every September, we have the privilege to raise awareness for Sucide. September is Suicide Prevention Month, which is a time to raise awareness about suicide and encourage people to speak up and know that it's okay to not be okay. Mental health can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. People can experience mixed emotions when dealing with stress, grief, school, family problems, and so much more. That is why checking in with a simple “Hello” can just save somebody's life.
One of the most helpful things that you or anyone else can do is listen without judging. Take someone seriously if they are saying something that could potentially ruin their life. You don’t know what is going on in someone's shoes until you really step into them.
Suicide is often met with phrases like stigma, shame, and silence. This should not be a huge factor, but it still has a huge impact on people who are quietly struggling with mental health.
As teenagers grow up, we often see emotions intensify, more going on in the room, sleeping 24/7, or not sleeping at all. However, many parents don't know how to help or how to tell if their teenager is struggling with mental health. Teenagers often feel lonely and tend to shut down as things worsen. Now, parents, mental health should be your #1 priority. Protecting your teenager can look like many things. Listening is one of the best ways to understand your teenager. They just want someone to make them feel heard, and that doesn't mean turning a conversation into a lecture or judging them. Check in regularly with them. A “how have you been” or “how are you feeling today” can be an instant mood boost.
Suicide prevention month is a serious and concerning topic that should not be pushed aside. As someone who has, in the past, struggled with mental health issues, Everyday feels like a challenge to me. Every day, it's an obstacle to wake up and feel like I don't belong. That's when I'm reminded that you don't have to be perfect. Nobody is. I know this feeling will go away someday, but not quite yet.
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, refer them to call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
