September 4-10, 2022
Suicide Prevention
Although September 4 -10 is National Suicide Prevention Week, raising awareness surrounding this topic is a year-round endeavor. It is crucial to learn risk factors, warning signs of suicidal thinking, and steps to support an individual in a crisis situation. Explore the resources below to debunk some common suicide myths and connect with resources that can help you or a loved one.
46,000 people died of suicide in 2020*
1 death every 11 minutes.
1.2 million people attempted suicide in 2020 *
3.2 million made a suicide plan.
12.2 million thought seriously about suicide.
35.2% increase in suicides from 1999 to 2018*
*Facts about suicide from the CDC
“Suicide doesn’t end the chance of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better”
– Unknown
Debunking Suicide Myths
Myth #1
“Most suicides happen suddenly without warning”
FACT: Warning signs- verbal or behavioral-precede most suicides. Therefore, it is important to learn and understand the warning signs associated with suicide. A warning sign may only be shown to those closest to the at-risk individual. Keep reading to learn common warning signs.
Myth #2
“Once an indiviudal is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal”
FACT: Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situational. 54% of individuals that died by suicide did not have a diagnosable mental health disorder. For individuals with mental illness, proper treatment can help reduce symptoms.
Myth #3
“People who die by suicide are selfish and take the easy way out”
FACT: Typically, people do not die by suicide because they do not want to live — people die by suicide because they want to end their suffering. Individuals who experience suicidal ideations do not do so by choice but are going through a difficult life situation or struggling with their mental illness.
To debunk more common suicide myths, check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness website, here.
Know the Risk Factors & Warning Signs
Suicide attempts are often preceded by signs that the person is contemplating suicide. By understanding the risk factors and warning signs concerning suicide, you can recognize and help others in crisis and change the conversation around suicide. To bring awareness to your office space, here is a suicide warning sign infographic.
Risk factors make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. It is essential to be aware of risk factors, though they cannot cause or predict a suicide attempt.
Warning signs may help determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or 988.
How can I help?
STEP 1 :
ASK
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?
It is not an easy question to ask, but asking at-risk individuals this direct question shows that you care and ensures you receive a clear answer.
sTEP 2 :
KEEP THEM SAFE
Reduce access to lethal items or places while asking if the individual has a plan and removing all things associated.
sTEP 3 :
BE THERE
Listen carefully and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings. Recognizing and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
sTEP 4 :
HELP THEM CONNECT
Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number: 1-800-273-8255 or the new three-digit dialing code, 988. You can also help connect them with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, or mental health professional.
sTEP 5 :
STAY CONNECTED
Following up and staying in touch after a crisis can make a huge difference. Studies have shown this step can reduce suicide in at-risk individuals.
Suicide Prevention Resources
immediate Resource for crisis
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline/Ayuda en Espanol
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Services are available via telephone or online chat and in English or Spanish, as well as TTY for individuals who are hard of hearing.
Immediate Resource For crisis
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. This service is available anywhere in the U.S. and will connect you with a live, trained counselor who can provide you with mental health support and crisis intervention.
Education Resource
Suicide Prevention and Education
The University of Florida Counseling and Wellness Center’s program focuses on the prevention of suicide through training , resources, and outreach, including QPR training, Kognito Online Training, and CWC talks.
Other Mental Health Resources
THerapy resource
Find a Therapist
Browse a directory of the best therapists, psychologists and counselors in your area to find the support that best suits you or a loved one’s unique needs.
gatorcare member program
Mental Health Care
GatorCare members have access to addiction, counseling, and psychiatry services through their behavioral health benefits. View our network directory to find a provider that works for you.
gatorcare member program
Talkspace
GatorCare members ages 18+ are eligible to receive free online counseling and psychiatry services through Talkspace, and members ages 13+ are eligible for free, unlimited counseling services. Communicate with a licensed mental health provider wherever you are, whenever is best for you.
community resource
Find a Support Group
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Gainesville chapter hosts support groups, presentations, and courses for individuals living with mental illness and their families.
wellness resource
Manage Suicidal Thoughts
Learn how to manage active and passive thoughts of suicide. While also learning what can cause suicidal ideation and what to do when experiencing these negative thoughts.
wellness resource
Media Library
NIMH offers infographics, social media messages, informational videos, and more for spreading information regarding suicide prevention resources. Share to your social media today!