September is National Suicide Prevention Month

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - National Suicide Prevention month aims to create awareness and promote actions people can take to prevent suicides.

When it comes to suicides, the numbers are staggering. There are about twice as many suicides in the United States as there are homicides. An estimated 130 people die by suicide every day.

“Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States,” said Dr. Douglas Ruderfer. “That’s top three among young adults and adolescents.”

The rates of mental disorders linked to suicides are also on the rise. Studies show depression rates in the U.S. tripled in the early months of the pandemic and a study from Boston University found depression now impacts one-in-three Americans.

“We know that depression is a major risk factor for suicide attempt,” said Dr. JooEun Kang.

But there are steps that can be taken to reduce this risk factor and others.

“That oftentimes just starts or can begin with telling someone - a friend, a family member or a doctor - that you are, in fact, struggling,” Ruderfer said.

And if you know someone who is struggling, you don’t have to wait until they talk to you. Be sensitive and ask them direct questions, such as “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” Or “Do you have access to weapons or things that can be used as weapons to harm yourself?”

Studies show talking about suicide decreases rather than increases their risk for suicide. Also, encourage them to speak to a mental health professional and never promise to keep someone’s suicidal thoughts a secret.

There are things congress can do, too. New research from the American Psychological Association found in states that enact hate crime laws that protect LGBTQIA+ populations, the rate of suicide attempts among gay and straight high school students dropped significantly.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988.

More: Health stories

Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning.

Copyright 2022 WILX. All rights reserved.