Many important dates are dedicated to spreading awareness on various topics and dilemmas plaguing the United States and the rest of the world. One of the most critical days to be remembered and spread around is World Suicide Prevention Day.
As the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, suicide statistics are alarmingly high, with many victims never choosing to seek help. This is due to the significant stigma surrounding mental health and mental illnesses, which this awareness campaign and various others have been fighting against for years.
Suicide Rates Have Increased Amongst Teenagers
Overall, around one in five adults in the U.S. are living with a mental illness, nearing around 26% percent of the adult population. In addition to this information, suicide has become the second leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. In recent years, mental health help resources and campaigns have significantly heightened, offering help to countless needy citizens. However, suicide still plays a significant part in leading causes of death in U.S. citizens; among numerous other suicide awareness campaigns, World Suicide Prevention Day brings everyone together to spread awareness throughout the U.S. and the entire world.
What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is, as it says, a day to spread awareness and publicity for those in need by offering more resources for help and focusing more attention on the issue at hand.
Alarming Statistics About Suicide
How many people commit suicide in the United States each year?
There is an average of around 40,000 suicides in the United States each year, estimated at approximately 14 deaths per 100,000 people.
What percentage of the population has made a suicide attempt?
There are estimated to be around 1.20 million suicide attempts by U.S. citizens each year. This is approximately 0.5 percent of the population. Additionally, about 12.2 American adults experience suicidal thoughts annually.
The History of World Suicide Prevention Day
This awareness campaign houses a rich history, established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization. Since the first September 10th, this day of awareness was created, this campaign has hosted countless activities to spread awareness and provide more help. This year, this campaign continues with the theme "Creating Hope Through Action."
When Did World Suicide Prevention Day Start?
The very first World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003.
Mental Health Tips and Methods to Destress
If you have a mental illness, there is an incredible amount of personal methods and destressing activities that you can do to lessen the symptoms of mental illness. Although one of the best solutions could be therapy or medications, practicing these daily solutions is sure to provide a much-needed boost along with other helpful methods. It is proven that a healthy body will help promote having a healthy mind; taking care of your body is just as critical as caring for your brain.
Stay socially connected and active.
Although it may not seem so to some, complete and total isolation can be incredibly detrimental to the mind, as social interaction is essential to every aspect of a human's health. Face-to-face interaction will benefit your mind, even for short periods.
Take time for yourself and your hobbies.
Being too caught up in work and commitments can be detrimental to your health and cause burnout; setting aside time for yourself and your hobbies can promote a happy mind and assist in destressing.
Practice eating a diet not only body healthy but brain healthy
Handfuls of foods are highly beneficial to the body and the mind, keep in mind what you are feeding your body will also be feeding your brain.
Be sure to keep a healthy sleep schedule.
Without the proper amount of sleep, our bodies and brains cannot function efficiently; in addition to this, it is proven that mental health conditions can worsen in the nighttime hours as it is easier for your brain to start wandering.
Suicide Hotlines and Other Resources
There are many suicide hotlines available to call 24/7 and numerous other resources for research and locating mental health assistance; it is never shameful to seek help.
- The 24/7 Crisis Hotline - Call or text https://988lifeline.org/
- Crisis Text Line - Text TALK to 741-741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor.
- Veterans Crisis Line - Text 838255
If you are searching for more suicide prevention resources, be sure to look at the CDC list of resources and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Here at Nursa, we dedicate ourselves above all to ensuring the safety and care of others. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to seek the help you need.
