Spreading Awareness During National Suicide Prevention Month

By: Jayson Tripp, MD

9/7/2022

Though suicide can be a difficult topic to talk about, it impacts the lives of many Americans. Suicidal thoughts and poor mental health can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of suicide prevention resources and work to end the stigmatization of mental health. With suicide rates on the rise, the need for easily accessible mental health resources is more urgent now than ever. Resources such as Serenity Mental Health Centers  can help you before you reach crisis status. 


Climbing Suicide Rates 

Suicide rates continue to climb in the United States. According to a 2020 study, the CDC  placed suicide among the top nine leading causes of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for adolescents aged 10-14 and adults aged 25-34. The CDC also estimated that 46,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) committed suicide in 2020 while an additional 1.2 million adults attempted suicide in the same year. 


The Warning Signs of Suicide 

  • Feelings of hopelessness, shame, guilt, and/or extreme depression. 
  • Talking about, or obsessively thinking about, death or suicide. 
  • Preparing for death, such as updating/preparing a will, giving away possessions, or taking steps to access lethal means. 
  • Sudden and dramatic changes in behavior, including extreme mood swings, difficulty sleeping or eating, withdrawal from loved ones, disinterest in hobbies or self-care, and increased alcohol/drug use. 


Where to Find Help 

Suicide is complicated and devastating, but it can be prevented. If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation, reach out to an emergency hotline such as 988  or SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education).  

There are also many services available for depression treatment. While talk therapy and medication management can be helpful, Serenity also offers advanced treatments such as TMS treatment  and ketamine infusion for effective, l ong-lasting results. You don’t have to face your depression alone.  

Mental illness is one of the leading factors behind suicide, and Serenity Mental Health Centers is taking action to raise awareness while providing treatment for those who are struggling with suicide. They will work to help you reclaim your life from mental illness and suicidal ideation. For more information on TMS therapy and other interventional psychiatry treatments offered by Serenity, visit their website  or call 844-692-4100 today.

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*All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.