September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
S eptember 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 – QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer- the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Dates/times for all Suicide Awareness Months are:
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
To register, visit www.lexrecma.myrec.com . If you have any questions about the QPR sessions contact Penny Tsiounis, LCSW at ptsiounis@lexingtonma.gov or 781-698-4843.
Suicide Prevention Resources:
- For a life-threatening emergency call 911.
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call or text 988 for confidential talk or support.
- Mass Behavioral Health Help Line – 833-773-2445 call or text for evaluation or connection to services.
- Advocates Adult & Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention – 800-640-5432.
- LGBTQ youth text “START” to 678678 or call 866-488-7386.
- Veterans – call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
If you need help finding a therapist contact Lexington’s therapy referral program: William James INTERFACE at 888-244-6843.
To connect with a social worker from the Lexington Human Services Department for non-urgent matters call 781-698-4840 or email humanservicesoffice@lexingtonma.gov. Staff are available by appointment.