Suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, racial/ethnic background, or socioeconomic status. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) uses the month of September to shift public perception, reduce stigma, spread hope, and share vital information with those affected by suicide. NAMI’s goal is to ensure that individuals and their loved ones have access to resources related to suicide prevention.

After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises, providing a simple, easy-to-remember way for people quickly connect with support during a crisis, 24/7, no matter where they live. World Suicide Prevention Day is 10 de septiembre and is a time to remember those affected by suicide and spread awareness.

Facts about suicide: 

• Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in adults in the United States and the third leading cause for adolescents. 
• Men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women.
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
• The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian and Alaskan Natives followed by non-Hispanic whites.
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals are nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight individuals.

QPR:

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, which are the foundational principles for suicide prevention at the QPR Institute. As a suicide prevention organization, they offer innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training that aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors. QPR believes that recognizing the signs of suicide crisis are just as important as CPR in saving countless lives. Their Gatekeeper one-hour training teaches individuals the necessary knowledge to recognize suicidal behaviors and resources to get help for themselves or loved ones who may be experiencing a crisis. To learn more about Gatekeeper training and the QPR Institute, visit https://qprinstitute.com/.

Resources for members who are experiencing a mental health emergency:

• 988 – 988 is the national, universal phone line for suicide prevention that is 24/7, confidential, and free. It provides support to those experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress and can provide crisis resources for you or your loved ones, as well as best practices for professionals.
• BH Link – BH Link is a community-based walk-in facility which connects individuals with immediate behavioral health services and recovery supports. Services are available 24/7. Please call (401) 414-LINK for assistance. 
• BCBSRI Care Management – Licensed professionals who work with you and your providers to get you the services you need. To contact BCBSRI care management, please call 1-800-274-2958.

Fuentes: nami.org, afsp.org, trevorproject.org