September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
I have written these words several times over and each time I sit down to write it feels surreal. Maybe if I try hard enough I can wake from this nightmare. I would wake to find Isaac walking through our front door with arms open wide to embrace us all. Being part of the club no one wants in means waking each day knowing a part of my heart is not here where he should be.
In our home suicide awareness prevention is daily and we believe that mental health is health. If you are part of the club no one wants to be in, I am sorry you know this ache. I am glad you have found us. My hope is these words reinforce the connection that you are not alone in your loss, your grief, or your journey to move forward with an ache in your heart. Suicide is an uninvited guest and it stole our oldest son, Isaac, from our grasp. We never saw it coming and we never had a chance to intervene. Suicide loss is not as isolated as one may think and the more we talk about it, the more we can break down the walls that prevent us from seeking out support.
Suicide Statistics for Ohio from the AFSP:
- it is the third leading cause of death for individuals 10-24 years of age
- Over 5x as many individuals died by suicide in 2019 than in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents
- 55% of all of suicides were by firearms
The AFSP has a wonderful online resource available for each state summarizing suicide statistics to help individuals begin to see what is happening in their community. It is essential for individuals to understand that this is a great resource, and yet for these numbers to truly reflect the magnitude of this public health crisis there is a level of truth and transparency that is needed in reporting on many levels. For example, real help and access to services is done when we as a community understand the importance of accurately reporting mental health needs, including barriers to support, as well as, identify potential warning signs of teen suicide.
I fully acknowledge that these discussions can be heavy and awkward. Hell, I would even tell you that there will be moments you won’t know what to say, yet there is power in presence over perfection. Together we can continue to break down the stigma surrounding suicide loss and encourage individuals that mental health IS health.
What are some examples of suicide stigma?
- Their choice was selfish
- It was an easy way out
- They just needed to help themselves
- You should have done more
There are many things I could share about suicide stigma and mental wellness, and yet I feel like a broken record. Perhaps if I say it louder for the people in the back it will sink in? The above phrases were some of the things said to us, or our youngest son while we were being swallowed whole by grief in the year of firsts. These phrases are part of the stigma and complicated our holding of grief. Wanna know a secret? The year of firsts is really a lifetime of firsts and we just didn’t know it until it unfolds.
He Who Laughs; Championing Mental Wellness (HWL) was given life out of the love for our human who ran ahead. Over the years HWL has taken to partnering with the Central Ohio Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Moleculera Labs in OKC to championing mental wellness. These partnerships help support the reach of HWL and slowly help shape the face of mental health. The harsh reality is that suicide knows no boundaries and does not discriminate on gender or race. It takes ALL OF US to make this shift a reality.
The mission of HWL is to champion mental wellness by supporting suicide prevention awareness activities, normalizing grief support and grief discussions, providing education on mental health topics, and to raise awareness on neurological autoimmune conditions that impact behavioral health.
Suicide is not an easy way out and it is not an act of selfishness.
Suicide can be prevented in some situations, but not all.
There is a high probability that we will all experience at least one mental health crisis in our lifetime.
Want to join the movement for suicide prevention awareness?
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Individuals can light a candle in honor of someone who ran ahead, their own personal story of survival, or to show their support of suicide prevention awareness. HWL in partnership with Anahata Mosaic in Marysville, OH is making tealights available for this nationwide observation. When you pick up your tealight, you can also grab a pre-paid postcard to send to someone who might need a pick me up. Why wait till someone you care about is in crisis to send a note of encouragement.
The AFSP Central Ohio Chapter has also officially kicked off their walk season and you can find information about the upcoming Ohio walks here. Never been to one of the Out of the Darkness walks? It is incredibly humbling to walk the memorial trail. It is soul stirring and reminds each participant why the call to act on this public health crisis is now. There is a lot of work and volunteer hours that make these walks the success they are for all involved. Reach out to your local chapter to find out how you can help. You can walk to show support for FREE or fundraise to contribute to a great cause.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of harm, call 9-8-8 (National Suicide Lifeline) for support. This number is available 24/7 and FREE.
The call to act is now. How will you join the suicide prevention awareness movement?
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