Spotlight on Suicide Prevention and Innovative Therapy
Each September, suicide prevention month shines a light on the 100-plus Americans who take their own lives each day. To most of us, this is a shocking statistic. Awareness programs and mental health organizations aim to change that by giving us all information we need - not only to save ourselves but identify warning signs in our loved ones and get them help
September is Suicide Prevention Month
National Suicide Prevention Month is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support and resources for those affected by suicide. Suicide is when a person intentionally ends their own life, and it's a problem that does not discriminate. It does not discriminate regarding your age, race, or socioeconomic status.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with over 44,000 people dying by suicide each year. And for every suicide, there are 25 suicide attempts and 70 plans made for suicide, equating to over 1 million suicide attempts each year. Moreover, for every individual who commits suicide each year, 316 individuals seriously consider it.
Despite these alarming numbers, it seems suicide is unfortunately still viewed as a taboo topic, and people are reluctant to talk about it. This can make it difficult for those struggling with suicidal thoughts to get help.
Still, suicide is preventable, and everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. It starts with shifting the conversation and breaking the silence. And although it's an important conversation to have year-round, this month provides a special opportunity to focus on suicide prevention. Not only for the millions who attempt it but those who plan or seriously think about it.
New Suicide Hotline to Aid in Suicide Prevention
What better way to shift the conversation around suicide than by making it simpler to start?
As the second-leading cause of death among younger generations, it's more important than ever to shine a spotlight on suicide and suicide prevention. And with a new national suicide hotline in place, it's also easier than ever for individuals to get the help they need.
The new easy-to-remember number will help connect individuals in distress more quickly to a listening ear and resources as needed by simply dialing 9-8-8. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
While the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will remain open, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline aims to shorten the response time when someone is in crisis.
How Ketamine Therapy and TMS Can Help When Nothing Else Does
While many factors can contribute to suicide, one of the most common is treatment-resistant depression. IV Ketamine and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can be life-saving options for those who have tried traditional therapies without success.
IV Ketamine is a fast-acting treatment that can relieve depression symptoms within hours, and it's been shown to be especially helpful for those with suicidal thoughts. TMS Therapy is also an innovative treatment option that uses gentle magnetic pulses to treat depression, PTSD, and many other common mental illnesses.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. If you are having suicidal thoughts and wondering whether you can overcome your depression, call the hotline. Call us. There is always someone who wants to listen.
With the help of IV Ketamine or TMS Therapy and the support of a nationwide community on the other end of the line, you can get the relief you need and live your life.
Sources for statistics:
https://988lifeline.org/by-the-numbers/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/suicide.htm
