Mental health isn’t the easiest subject to talk about, but honestly, it should be. However, there’s safe spaces for you to express yourself and get help. Mental health is extremely important and if you’re having suicidal thoughts, call the hotline number, ‘988,’ to talk through your feelings. The topic of suicide has a lot of stigmas around it and should be discussed without shame or anxiety. This is why Suicide Prevention Month is so important. There are many who have unfortunately lost someone to suicide or have been battling thoughts of their own. This is the month to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues. Try starting a conversation, a few words can go a long way, and you can be the difference in someone’s life.

“Are you okay?” – These are three words that can show someone that you care. Asking if someone is okay or checking on them can make a bigger impact than most would think. It cultivates important conversations and shows who they can go to if they need to talk. Offering your support or a listening ear can help someone who is battling suicidal thoughts. In fact, people that are able to talk about how they feel report that they feel less isolated and feel more encouraged to seek help.

About 12% of young adults ages 18-25 in the U.S. report that that they’ve had serious thoughts about suicide in the past year, and about 2% have attempted. Unfortunately, these numbers are higher among high school students. If you are worried about yourself, or someone else you love, but aren’t in immediate danger, then steps should be taken to find care and support. This can come from primary care doctors like pediatricians, physicians, a school counselor, or a mental health service.

Some specific resources include:

• https://988helpline.org/
• https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/index.html
• https://www.nami.org/your-journey/family-members-and-caregivers/being-prepared-for-a-crisis/
• https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/common-with-mental-illness/risk-of-suicide/
• https://sprc.org/
• Calling or texting ‘988’
• North Point’s School Counselors and School Psychologist!

Life can be stressful; just remember you don’t have to go through it alone. You are important and you matter.

Sources:

• https://sprc.org/

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/common-with-mental-illness/risk-of-suicide/