September is National Suicide Prevention Month which reminds us that every 11 minutes someone commits suicide in the U.S. That’s around 130 people every day.  In fact, there are about twice as many suicides in the U.S. as there are homicides. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States; that’s among the top three for young adults and adolescents. 

Studies show depression rates in the U.S. tripled in the early months of the pandemic, and a study from Boston University found that depression now affects one-third of all Americans. 

However there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of suicide.  Oftentimes that starts or can begin with talking to someone (a friend, a family member, or a doctor) to let them know that you are struggling.  Conversely, if you know someone struggling, you don’t have to wait until they talk to you.

Talking about suicide decreases the chances of an individual harming.  Five talking points or tips include:

• Be sensitive and ask direct questions

• Are you thinking about hurting yourself

• Do you have access to weapons or items that could be used to hurt yourself

• Encourage speaking with a mental health professional by offering support and information

If you or anyone you know needs help, you or they can call the national suicide prevention hotline at 988.

According to the American Psychological Association, depression is typically characterized by a combination of a lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, sleep issues, low energy, an inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Mental Health Resources – Suicide Helpline

1.     BlackLine: Provides a space for peer support, counseling, and affirming the experiences of those affected by systematic oppression through an LGBTQ+ Black femme lens. 24/7. (800) 604-5841, callblackline.com

2.     CalHope Redline: A phone, chat, and video chat service providing trauma-informed support for urban Indian and tribal populations. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (888) 368-4090, ccuih.org/redline

3.     Institute on Aging Friendship Line: For older adults and others living with disabilities. Both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for nonemergency emotional support calls. 24/7. (800) 971-0016. ioaging.org/services/friendship-line

4. Live Another Day has curated a resource guide specifically for members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community struggling with substance abuse or mental illness. (866) 617 5694 liveanotherday.org/bipoc

5. Love Is Respect: Peer advocates offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in a dating relationship that might be unhealthy or abusive. 24/7. (866) 331-9474 or text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522, loveisrespect.org

6.     National Eating Disorder Assn. Helpline: Counselors provide support and treatment options for those who are struggling with an eating disorder and those who love them. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Pacific) and Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern (8 a.m.-2 p.m. Pacific). Text and chat are also available. (800) 931-2237, nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline

7.     National Sexual Assault Hotline: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) operates this hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers nationwide. 24/7. (800) 656-4673, rainn.org/resources

8.     National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: “988” has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and is accessible across the U.S., 988lifeline.org

9.     Postpartum Support International: Support for individuals and families suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety, and distress. In Spanish and English. Volunteers will return your call during normal business hours. (800) 944-4773, postpartum.net

10.     SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline: Resources and support for LGBTQ+ elders. 24/7. (877) 360-LGBT (5428), sageusa.org/what-we-do/sage-national-lgbt-elder-hotline

11.  SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 24/7. (800) 662-HELP (4357), samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

12.  Teen Line: Professionally trained teen counselors lend support and resources to fellow teens in an effort to destigmatize and normalize mental health. 6-10 p.m., (800) 852-8336, teenline.org

13.  Trans Lifeline: An organization led by transgender people that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to thrive. 24/7. (877) 565-8860, translifeline.org

14.  The Trevor Project: Information and support for LGBTQ+ young people and tools for helping an LGBTQ+ loved one. 24/7. (866) 488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678, thetrevorproject.org

15.  Veterans Crisis Line: Trained volunteers available to support veterans in crisis or those concerned about a veteran. 24/7. 988, then press 1, veteranscrisisline.net