Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among people ages 15–29. Every September, we have the privilege of raising awareness about suicide. September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide, encourage people to speak up, and remind everyone that it’s okay not to be okay.
Mental health can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. People can experience mixed emotions when dealing with stress, grief, school, family problems, and so much more. That is why a simple “Hello” could potentially save somebody’s life.
One of the most helpful things that you or anyone else can do is listen without judging. Take someone seriously if they say something that could put their life at risk. You don’t know what someone is going through until you truly put yourself in their shoes.
Suicide is often met with stigma, shame, and silence. These should not be factors, but they still have a huge impact on people who are quietly struggling with their mental health.
As teenagers grow up, we often see their emotions intensify, with more going on around them. They may sleep 24/7 or not sleep at all. However, many parents don’t know how to help or how to tell if their teenager is struggling with their mental health.
Teenagers often feel lonely and tend to shut down as things worsen. Parents, your teenager’s mental health should be a top priority. Protecting your teenager can look like many things, and listening is one of the best ways to understand them. They just want someone to make them feel heard, and that doesn’t mean turning a conversation into a lecture or judging them. Check in with them regularly. A simple “How have you been?” or “How are you feeling today?” can make a big difference.
Suicide Prevention Month is a serious and important topic that should not be pushed aside. As someone who has struggled with mental health issues in the past, every day can feel like a challenge to me. Every day, it can feel like an obstacle to wake up and feel like I don’t belong. That’s when I remind myself that I don’t have to be perfect. Nobody is.
I know this feeling will go away someday, but not quite yet.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
