What Can I Do To Help During Suicide Awareness Month?

It's a hard subject to talk about, but suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in young people and it affects everyone around them. 

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone of any age. I believe it's something to talk about all year long, but it's nice that it gets highlighted for the entire month of September.

I've had a few family members and friends end their life through suicide and it always leaves you questioning: 'why?' and 'what could I have done to help prevent this?'. We may never know the answers to these hard questions, but all we can do is try and help.

Nearly 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year, and that number is just too high. So the question to ask is 'what can I do to help?'. There are several answers to this question:

• It may just be as simple as saying hi or asking about someones day to show them you care.
• Get involved and joins groups like NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) to learn more and help
• Know the suicide hotline and share if needed. 1-800-273-TALK and 218-723-0099
• Spread the word

Suicidal thoughts are all too common these days. Please reach out if you having thoughts, even if you think the people around you will think different of you. This is a change we can make together by treating others how you want to be treated and just by being there.

Spread the word as all of September is suicide awareness month.