Suicide is among the top 10 causes of death in the United States, but there is hope!
As we begin a new year, and struggle to find balance to accommodate our newly formed resolutions, it is a good time to familiarize ourselves with the tools and resources to help identify and prevent suicide.
Suicide is all too common, but it can be prevented if treated in time. Suicide prevention begins with being able to identify symptoms which likely stem from a mental or emotional disorder that has gone untreated. Considering most suicide victims are white males (up to 70% by some accounts) it may suggest that males are more likely to go without treatment due to the stigma surrounding the terms "mental or emotional disorder". It's important to note that a disorder is simply an unbalanced mental or emotional state that can easily be adjusted using simple techniques such as exercise, counseling, and/or medication.
In an article published by the American Psychiatric Association, mental health is described as the following:
"Mental health is the foundation for thinking, communication, learning, resilience and self-esteem. Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society."
I strongly encourage you to read some of the articles I've added below in hopes that we might be able to save lives through awareness.
Suicide Awareness - General Facts
American Psychiatric Association - What is Mental Illness
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Washington State Statistics
