September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention, how to help others, and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

Suicide is a national epidemic, and it’s getting worse. Not only is suicide the second-leading cause of death for all Americans between the ages of 15 and 54, but the age-adjusted suicide rate in the U.S. also increased a staggering 24 percent from 1999 to 2014.

For a variety of reasons, suicide largely remains a taboo topic in our society. When it does receive media attention, the reaction is typically to blame the victim, and to brand it a cowardly act. Unfortunately, this type of response is off-base, and it sidesteps the relationship between suicide and mental health and addiction.

We all should strive to understand this epidemic better, to identify those who need help, and to provide help to those who seek it.

There’s no single cause for suicide, nor does it discriminate on age, gender or background. Suicide most often occurs when a person suffering from a mental health condition is unable to cope as a result of being overwhelmed by current stressors. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who appropriately manage their mental health illnesses through various treatments like medication and therapy, lead fulfilling lives.

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want help. People who take their lives don’t want to die—they just want to stop hurting. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. It is not uncommon for someone who thinks a friend or family member is considering suicide to be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

Here are common warning signs according to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE):

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others;
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

It’s important to note that suicide can be prevented through education and awareness. The warning signs can be subtle, but they are there.

The first step for prevention is bringing the topic out of the closet and facing it head on. First, pay attention and notice when someone is showing signs that they could be at risk. Second, take the time to let this person know that you care. Too often, people see suicide as something they can do nothing about, but this is rarely true. Everyone can play a crucial role in helping those around us who struggle with these thoughts and feelings on this journey to survival.

If you believe a friend or family member is suicidal, the best way to help is by offering an empathetic, listening ear. Let them know that they are not alone and that you care. Don’t take responsibility, however, for making them well. You can offer support, but you can’t make it better for a suicidal person. They have to make a personal commitment to recovery.

If you or someone you know may be suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline –
1-800-273-8255.