Suicide Prevention Month

QPR-September 29th at 2 pm in person at the Lexington Community Center

Community Conversations Around Wellness-Self Care: September 17th at 2pm on Zoom

September is known globally as Suicide Prevention Month and throughout the month mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

National Suicide Prevention Week is held the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day which is observed on September 10th. Overall, these observances are intended to promote awareness, highlight resources available in our communities, and share stories. The goals are to learn how to help those around us and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

Suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, income level, religion or background. It is the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the United States and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34. People in the United States die by suicide at a rate of about one death every eleven minutes, resulting in more than 49,000 deaths by suicide each year.

Suicide is preventable, and we all have a role to play in order to save lives and create healthy and strong individuals, families, and communities. Many factors can increase the risk for suicide. For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, and/or sexual violence, are at a higher risk of suicide. Research shows that LGBTQ+ have higher rates of suicidal ideation and behavior compared to their cis gender, straight counter parts. We encourage you to take the time to inquire about the wellbeing of your family, friends, and neighbors during this month and throughout the year. Convey your appreciation for their existence through gestures and words of affirmation.

If you are interested in learning how to inquire about the well-being of your loved ones, the Human Services Department will be hosting two QPR sessions in September, and starting a new conversation group series, “Community Conversations Around Wellness, partnering with Northeast Recovery Learning Community
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer- the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. 

Family Matters columns are presented to the Lexington community through a collaboration with the Lexington Human Services Department/Youth Services and the Lexington Times Magazine. Information provided in these columns is general in nature and not intended to substitute for individualized professional advice. See a professional for any concerns you may have about this topic or any others in a Family Matters column.