September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a moment that serves as a powerful reminder that there are steps we all must take to look out for loved ones, the people in our community and those who have been impacted by this leading cause of death. The world’s suicide prevention day is the 10th. Throughout the month, and especially during the 10th, individuals and organizations around the country have plans to highlight the problem of suicide and advocate its prevention.
Since 2002, millions of people have attended the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (Out of the Darkness Walk) in communities across the country to raise awareness and funds that go toward education programs, advocacy efforts and scientific research that reveals how we can save more lives. Out of the Darkness Walks help people find comfort in knowing they are not alone and that we are connected through great purpose to healing and support.
So many individuals have committed suicide, with the rates from 2022 at their highest with over 40,000 suicides. In 2022, suicide was among the top nine leading causes of death for people aged 10 to 64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24 and 25 to 34. Suicide rates vary by race, ethnicity, age, and other factors such as location.
Other Americans with higher than average rates of suicide are veterans, those who live in rural areasand workers in hard labor industries and occupations like mining and construction. Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ have a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their peers who identify as heterosexual. “Suicide affects everyone. It affects everyone within the community. In the state of Alabama, we have more suicides than homicides, so we need to be more aware,” said sophomore health information systems major Jada Brown.
Everyone needs to be aware of the signs of someone who may be struggling with mental health problems. These signs could be a lack of communication and a sudden interest in things one may not normally do that are kind of out of the ordinary, like giving away items or personal belongings. Some may know how to hide it well, like behind a smile. You really do not know what is going on behind closed doors because they hide it so well.
As college students, we should never make someone feel alone, especially as a historically Black university. We also need to make people culturally aware. Some people think people of color do not commit suicide, and that is a myth. The university’s Counseling Center is free and open for students, faculty, and staff.
A similar fundraising event like the ASU Buzz Run 5K would be good for Suicide Prevention Month, so people can know that even though they are going through things, they can come take a walk and meet people who are going through similar things. This event should be for everybody to find peace of mind, take a walk, and talk.
Students need to know that they are not alone and are heard so they can get the help they need. We should pay attention to others and how they change their behavior. We should also promote the She Care Wellness Pods behind Bessie Benson residence hall.
The university promotes the She Care Wellness Pods for everyone to be free and able to join yoga sessions or schedule a therapy session, etc. Some students feel that even though they explain what they are going through from their past experiences, going to therapy is not going to help or that they will not be heard or helped the way they need to.
We should also take steps to change the culture and talk about topics of suicide and mental health so that more students feel more comfortable and empowered to seek help when they or their friends are in distress. Suicide attempts can have long-term affects on their health and well-being of themselves and their friends, love ones, and the community. Suicide traumatizes everyone you are close to; it hurts them because they feel they missed your cry out for help, and they failed you.
