NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

If someone is at risk for suicide, it's important to act right away, offer hope and get help as soon as possible.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK) is available 24/7 to connect people in crisis and concerned family members with counselors for emotional support and other services.

The most common warning signs of suicide include talking about or writing about suicide, expressing hopelessness or worthlessness, planning or looking for a way to kill themselves, increasing use of substances and withdrawing from family and friends.

We all have a role to play in promoting suicide awareness and prevention!
DID YOU KNOW?

  • In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide was the second leading cause of death for Texans ages 10 to 34 years old and nearly 4,000 people were lost to suicide statewide.
  • Individuals ages 55-64 saw the greatest increase of any age group with a 61 percent increase in deaths by suicide;
  • The rate of suicide mortality in women has increased by 50 percent;
  • The rate of high school males who have attempted suicide has more than doubled;
  • The veteran suicide death rate rose 32 percent between 2005 and 2017
RESOURCES TO GET HELP
In addition to the crisis line, Texas is highlighting other resources to help Texans in need:

  • The Crisis Text Line provides access to free counseling through text messaging 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text TX to 741741 for assistance.


  • Dedicated line for veterans: press 1.
  • For people who are deaf and hard of hearing: use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 800-273-8255.
  • For Spanish speakers: La Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 888-628-9454.

  • The Suicide Prevention Wallet card, in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF), quickly identifies warning signs and specific steps to help someone who is struggling.



  • HHS offers free Mental Health First Aid eight-hour courses to public school and higher education employees to help them recognize risk factors and warning signs of a person in distress and how they can reach out to help and connect them with resources.


For more information about suicide prevention
SUICIDE PREVENTION WALLET CARD:
Learn the Warning Signs and How to get Help
Emergency Hospital Systems LLC