#SUICIDEPREVENTIONMONTH
Shedding the Light on the Issue & the World Around Us
*This post talks about sensitive topics like suicide. Each part will be labeled on information presented for the reader to read with comfortability*
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, or alone in the world? Even a moment of sadness, disappointment, or feelings of being lost can contribute to our feelings for the day and emotional health. Such feelings and more alike, are natural when we live in a world that’s so large, and full of numerous standards and expectations. And at times that are so monumental, they create the belief that we have to achieve such feats, and that because they are such a regular aspect of life, it shouldn’t be so pressuring for us but expected of us. This creates the stigma against mental health, that doesn’t let others open up and ask for that support, including ourselves. Let’s talk about how impacting this social issue is, and how we can help those around us as well as ourselves.
The Statistics
Depression impacts different individuals in different ways. The more we try to understand the situations that affect people and how large such issues are, the more we can offer support to thos in need, and spread the word to fight the stigma against mental health and suicide. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. It is largely present around the world, especially in the United States. It affects young children and young adults the most. Especially since those are the ages that face the most pressure and trivial moments of life. Not only is it a large issue at hand, but it especially affects womxn since they are more likely than men to to have suicidal thoughts. This is probably due to the demand of social media and beauty standards in the world. However, mxn are more likely to commit suicide than womxn. This is due to mxn not expressing their need for help since men are expected to not show emotion and be mentally strong. Society’s beliefs on gender roles play a huge factor in these facts, and how situations where someone is needed are handled. African American, Latine, Native American, and Asian American people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual attempt suicide at especially high rates. Culture embedded into our country and lives contribute to such presumptions, and limit people when they want to reach out for help. Even when they do, the person in need might be ignored, or feel that their way of feeling is invalidated and not crucial enough. Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth. This is due to how their sexual orientation as well as gender is not respected or educated about enough in the media, schools, workplaces and more. Racism, prejudice, discirimation and rejection are aspects that affect us in our daily lives and also risk factors that put certain communities at higher risk of mental health issues and suicide.
How can we help ourselves?
Connect with other people. This helps build a sense of belonging and self-worth. It provides an opportunity to share positive experiences and have emotional support.
Being physically active helps set goals as well as challenges, and to further achieve them. This creates a sense of accomplishment and chemical changes in one’s brian which can impact one’s mood in a positive manner.
Learn new skills! This helps build up our self esteem, self confidence as well as find a sense of purpose.
Give to others. Say thank you to someone for something they’ve done for you, ask those around you how they are doing, and genuinely listen to them, spend time with friends or relatives, and maybe even do a DIY project with them! This creates positive feelings, a sense of reward, and self-worth.
Lastly, pay attention to the present moments including your thoughts, feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this mindfulness, which helps enjoy your day better and understand yourself more as well. It helps how one may feel about life, and approach challenges.
How to help those in a crisis?
Ask the tough question. When somebody you know is in emotional pain, ask them directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Keep them safe. Ask if they know how they would do it, and separate them from anything they could use to hurt themselves. If you think they might be in immediate danger, call the Lifeline.
Be there and listen to their reasons for feeling hopeless. Listen with compassion and empathy and without dismissing or judging.
Help them connect to a support system — whether it’s family, friends, clergy, coaches, co-workers, a doctor, or a therapist — who they can reach out to for help.
Follow up. Reaching out to them in the days and weeks after a crisis can make a meaningful difference — and even help save their life. CREDIT: findyourwords.org
Know the warning signs for suicide
The best way to help prevent suicide is to know what to look for — and be prepared to intervene if you think someone may be in danger. Warning signs include:
Talking about wanting to die
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Having extreme mood swing CREDIT: findyourwords.org
The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999. As we continue to evolve the standards and expectancy increase even more along with all the negativity in the world. It makes people feel unheard, unseen and mostly unimportant. As the environment surrounding us can be negative, we have the power to connect with people around the country and world, letting more social issues become more apparent and be spoken about more. It almost feels like the weight is on our shoulders, but the world has so much going on, that the weight isn’t ours alone to carry. The times we live can be scary, and very eye opening. Hence why it’s essential to check up on your friends, and most importantly take some time for yourself. You are not alone, you matter, and you are loved. As syzters we should make sure to check up on those in our syzterhood as well as community, and stay educated and aware as much as we can! But don’t forget to take a break if you have to and know some of these things are meant to be taken one day at a time.
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386