September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

 
 
 
 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We must focus on initiating the conversation to eliminate the stigma, ensuring that our children have access to the treatment and supports needed. Although there is limited research specifically focused on children with varying exceptionalities, the topic is no less relevant for the community. Research has shown that individuals diagnosed with depression are at a higher risk for death by suicide. Children with varying exceptionalities are often victims of bullying by peers. Bullying can result in a child experiencing feelings of hopelessness or of being a burden to their families.


In 2019, the Center for Disease Control estimated one death by suicide every twelve minutes in the United States. Globally, death by suicide is the 2nd leading cause among individuals 5-25 years old, and 1 in 100,000 children ages 10-14 will die by suicide each year. Although suicidal thoughts may be common, it should never be considered normal and often an indicator of more serious concern. Death by suicide is preventable. Knowing the warning signs, risk, and protective factors are the keys to saving lives.

Warning Signs

  • Negative view of self

  • A sense of hopelessness or no hope for the future

  • Isolation or feeling alone

  • Making suicide threats

  • Frequently talking about death or dying

  • Feeling like a burden to others

  • Drastic changes in mood and behaviors

  • Engaging in risky behaviors

  • Self-harming behaviors

  • Giving away items


Risk Factors

  • Physical disability or illness

  • History of substance abuse

  • History of a mental health condition

  • Access to harmful means

  • Relationship problems

  • Previous attempts at death by suicide

  • Recent death of a family member or close friend

  • Losing a friend or family member to death by suicide

  • Ongoing exposure to bullying behavior


Protective Factors

  • Parent connectedness

  • Connections to other non-parental adults

  • Academic achievement

  • School safety

  • Awareness of and access to local health services

  • Neighborhood safety

  • Closeness to caring friends

  • Overall resilience

If you, your child or somebody you know is struggle with thoughts and feelings of suicide, there is help. One call can save a life.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org

In an emergency dial 911

Should you have any additional questions or need support in the area of mental health, please reach out to Amy Moncion at any time at amoncion@collaborativecorner.org.

References:

Child Mind

Beyond Blue Healthy Families

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Amy Moncion, MSW, LCSW
Panelist, Mental Health Qualified Supervisor
amoncion@collaborativecorner.org