National Suicide Prevention Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Suicide Prevention Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Suicide Prevention Month is celebrated on September 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Suicide Prevention Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you may want to know about National Suicide Prevention Month.

📅 What day is National Suicide Prevention Month 2024?

In 2024, National Suicide Prevention Month is on Friday, September 1st. It is the 1st Friday in September; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the fun details and facts about September 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

In the United States, 123 individuals take their own lives on a daily basis. This tragic act ranks as the ninth leading cause of death in the country, with young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 being the third most affected group, and those aged 25 to 34 ranking second. To amplify efforts in fighting against suicide, the entire month of September is dedicated as Suicide Prevention Month. You can actively contribute to this cause by engaging with local organizations as a volunteer and by lending a compassionate ear to those who may be in need.

📜 National Suicide Prevention Month History

In recent years, there has been increased societal openness to discussing and debating suicide. However, there is still a stigma attached to it, and unfortunately, suicide rates are on the rise. This means that timely assistance is not reaching individuals in need, indicating that there is still much progress to be made. Suicide is one of the fastest-growing illnesses globally, with a staggering number of individuals, around 44,000 in the United States alone, taking their own lives each year.

The responsibility to both promote and prevent suicide falls on all of us. During National Suicide Prevention Month in September, mental health activists, survivors, friends and family, and organizations worldwide come together to share their stories and work towards eliminating this tragic act.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. While depression is often associated with suicidal tendencies, it is not a definitive predictor. Many individuals who are depressed or suicidal are skilled at concealing their feelings, as was the case with the late comedian Robin Williams, who tragically took his own life in August 2014 at the age of 63.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a US-based organization that serves as a valuable resource on this highly sensitive issue. Founded in 1979 by family members of those with mental illness, NAMI provides support and resources to individuals affected by suicide. They help connect people with appropriate treatment facilities and strive to raise awareness and educate others about suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, it is crucial to seek help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or contact emergency services at 911.

✅ National Suicide Prevention Month Facts

🔖 Listen to their answers
It is important to let individuals who are suicidal know that you value their thoughts and feelings as they often experience a sense of isolation.

🔖 Do a safety check
To ensure their safety, it is important to remove any potential means of harm from their reach. This includes taking away substances like alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications, as well as any weapons they may have access to. It may also be necessary to restrict their access to a vehicle.

🔖 Ask direct questions
In spite of the challenges, it is important to approach someone directly and inquire about their thoughts on suicide.

👍 Why Is National Suicide Prevention Month Important

Suicide prevention organizations want to cut suicides by 20% in the next seven years. To accomplish this, they are making a concerted effort to discuss suicide—its warning signs, how to prevent it, how to discuss it, and so on—in school, the workplace, and in politics.

Suicide carries a stigma, so it is often not discussed, and those who suffer from it believe they cannot discuss it. Suicide Prevention Month promotes communication and helps to de-stigmatize mental illness.

Suicide prevention attitudes are changing as a result of Suicide Prevention Month. Schools and workplaces, for example, are implementing new programs, and even pop culture is recognizing it. For example, the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” depicts the seriousness of suicide, the struggles that lead to this tragic decision, and how it affects those left behind. The Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is taking advantage of this platform by turning the issues raised on the show into a national conversation.

🙂 How To Observe National Suicide Prevention Month

⚡ Record a supportive video
You can easily help make a difference without spending money or exerting much effort. All you need to do is create a short video committing to actively listening to your friends. To spread awareness, include the hashtags #suicideispreventable, #800273TALK, and #LETITOUT when sharing the video.

⚡ Spread the message
In order to observe Suicide Prevention Month effectively, it is crucial to increase understanding, support those who may be struggling, and emphasize the gravity of this matter. This can be achieved through various means such as distributing pins to raise awareness, initiating a campaign, and sharing uplifting stories on social media.

⚡ Volunteer at a crisis center
Offer your assistance to those in need by volunteering at a crisis center in your area. While this opportunity is available throughout the year, Suicide Prevention Month is the perfect time to begin. Take a look at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a non-profit organization offering confidential support to individuals experiencing crisis or emotional distress, round the clock and every day of the week, without any cost.

📅 When is National Suicide Prevention Month?

See all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Suicide Prevention Month. So be sure to check back soon.