Opinion: Suicide Prevention month, a time for awareness

Everyday there is someone out there reaching out for help or showing signs that they need help. Every September, Suicide Prevention month casts a spotlight on public health crisis. Most remain in silence. Most communities are coming together to mourn those who are gone, and support those who are struggling. But also honoring lives that were gone too soon. We need to spread more awareness and save these lives.

Suicide remains one of the biggest causes of death. Specifically young people. According to the Centers for disease control and prevention, nearly 46,000 people in the United States have died by suicide in 2022. That is one death every 11 minutes. One of the most barriers to preventing suicide is associated with mental illness. Most feel too afraid to ask for help. They feel isolated and ashamed.

As a society we need to prevent this from happening. We need to create a better environment where people can feel heard, seen and safe. We need to teach the warning signs and recognize them more. Knowing how to respond appropriately and advocate for affordable mental health care. Someone could be the happiest person but hide it on the outside but feel sad all the time on the inside. This is why it is important to know that you don’t know what someone else is going through.

Awareness and education are not enough. We need change that addresses the root causes of suicide. Lack of access to healthcare, economic instability, substance abuse, and even being socially isolated. Each of us has a role in supporting those who are struggling. Your actions can make a difference. Even if it is doing something little like smiling at someone, being kind, asking how their day was. The little things matter and could make a difference in someone else’s life. Remember that. Lets create a world where fewer people feel suicide is their only option. 

Let's do more than just raise awareness. Educate ourselves and others, make changes to prevent suicide. Please do not stay silent, you have a voice and it matters. Whatever you are going through, it may feel so hard right now but I promise that everything will fall into place and be okay. You do not want to be gone, you just want the pain to be gone. I am going through your battles with you and so is God. Remember, you are not alone. It is okay sometimes to not be okay.