September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – "You Are Not Alone"

September 23, 2024Blog, Patient

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide deaths in the United States increased from 45,979 to 48,183 (4.79%) between the years 2020 and 2021 with the age-adjusted suicide rate for 2021 at 14.1 per 100,000 people.

In 2021,

Suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,100 people.
Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34 , the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fifth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.
There were nearly two times as many suicides (48,183) in the United States as there were homicides (26,031).These are not just numbers, they are friends and loved ones AND they leave many loved ones behind. Friends and family who wish they could have done something, anything, to make a difference.

But it doesn’t have to happen to you or those that you love. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and on Sept. 10, we observed World Suicide Prevention Day to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect people who need help with treatment.

What to watch for: Warning signs of suicide

According to Mental Health America, eight out of ten people who are contemplating suicide do communicate their intentions in a variety of different ways. Such communications may include verbal comments like, “The world would be better off without me,” or even more direct talk about potential suicidal intentions. Individuals may make statements about leaving or not being around in the future. You may see consistent depressive episodes with expressions of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest and joy in things that your loved one once found enjoyable. Furthermore, those who are considering suicide often give away prized personal possessions to friends and family. And they may also engage in impulsive, risk-taking behavior—acting as if the future holds no concern to them.

While none of these behaviors mean that someone is definitely suicidal, they do offer cause for concern. You know your friends and family best. If your gut tells you something is awry, communicate that. You can ask direct questions, but save any shock or judgment. Take the time to listen. Really listen. And if it appears that your loved one is seriously contemplating suicide, make sure they are not left alone and strongly encourage them to seek help immediately. If you think a plan is imminent, you can always go directly to the emergency room or call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

A message of hope

Suicide Prevention Lifeline logo showing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to call if you are in crisis

This September, in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, know that you do not have to suffer alone. Your loved ones don’t have to suffer alone. There are alternatives to suicide—and help is available and waiting.

If you or someone you care about is considering suicide, help is available.

The 988 Lifeline is available to call or text 24/7/365 by dialing 988, and the website includes live chat.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all callers. You can reach the lifeline

toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also find referrals and other support resources at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Our articles are for informational purposes only and are reviewed by our Medical Information team, which includes PharmDs, MDs, and PhDs. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider.

The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors.

If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful.

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