Changing the Conversation from Suicide to Suicide Prevention

 

In 2016, suicide was the second leading cause of death or those aged 10 - 34 in the U.S. and the tenth leading cause of death for all Americans. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background and, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. You and members of your campus community can #BeThe1To ask, keep people safe, be there, help them stay connected, follow up, and learn more. These are specific actions you can take to promote healing, help, and give hope. #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's message to help change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention.

 

The average age of onset for many mental health conditions is the typical college age range of 18 - 24 years old. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 75 percent of all individuals with an anxiety disorder will experience symptoms before age 22. Other students, who might not have clinical anxiety or depression, still suffer. Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition and for most students, stigma remains the most significant barrier to seeking treatment. Mental Health First Aid's PSA " Said No Teen Ever" highlights this issue. This makes it important for everyone to know how to recognize and respond when a young person may be in need. This month is an opportune time for campus community members to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.

 

In addition to the national month, National Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-15), World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), and National American Indian/Alaska Native Hope for Life Day (September 10) also promote suicide prevention awareness and focus efforts on treatment. Various organizations are participating in these awareness campaigns and provide educational and promotional resources:

Training on recognizing, preventing, intervening in, and responding to suicide risk is available from a variety of providers for multiple audiences:

For campus faculty and staff, a comprehensive blueprint for workplace suicide prevention is available through the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention that guides workplaces in developing a suicide prevention program that is most appropriate to them.

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) has released four updated safety and security best practices guides for purchase via their secure digital platform partner, Mimeo . The guides are a result of summits with representatives from event management, facilities operations, la w enforcement, emergency management, fire, emergency medical services, technology firms, and public safety agencies where discussions took place on current safety and security issues, identifying solutions, and proposing future best practices through professional collaboration. In conjunction with these discussions, academic research contributed to the development of the 2018 guidebooks.

The following 2018 editions of the best practices guides are available in digital and print formats:

Updates to the Intercollegiate Athletics Guide include expanded sections on situational awareness; perimeter protection including preventive measures to address vehicle ramming; cybersecurity; high ground/elevated threat protection; and employee development and training

 

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