This is serious…

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  

Why should you care?

Because suicide is rarely discussed, specifically in the Black community.  It is considered taboo or something that “Black people don't do.”  However, that is dangerously inaccurate.  Rates of suicide among African-Americans have been rising and 3 years ago, it was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

A few statistics about suicide according the the CDC:

•Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages.

•Mental health conditions are often seen as the cause of suicide, but suicide is rarely caused by any single factor.

•Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide.

•Suicide takes the lives of over 44,965 Americans every year.

•There is one death by suicide in the US every 12 minutes. 

Warning signs of suicide include:

•Feeling like a burden

•Being isolated

•Increased anxiety

•Feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable mental pain

•Increased substance use

•Increased anger or rage

•Extreme mood swings

•Expressing hopelessness

•Sleeping too much or too little

•Talking about wanting to die

•Looking for access to lethal means

One of the most important things to know about suicide is that help is available and you are not alone!  If you don’t know where to start, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) where you can speak to a professional crisis counselor who can direct you to appropriate treatment options.