Did you know that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month? Throughout this month, we are striving to help reverse the stigma by bringing awareness and spreading hope to those impacted by suicide. This is a great time to learn more about suicide prevention and to discover resources available for you and your teen alike.
In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 across the United States1, and when looking at Cortland County, 1 in 4 teens reported that they had seriously thought about suicide.2 This number has been steadily decreasing throughout the last decade, from 9.0% to 8.2% over the past 7 years, but much more can still be done to reduce this number.2 Multiple suicide prevention organizations are working throughout our community, including SPEAK UP Cortland. This organization provides crisis support contacts as well as information on different projects they have to bring awareness to suicide.
Their “Chalk the Walk” Campaign is a fun and interactive way to spread hope across our community by drawing inspirational messages and pictures on your sidewalk in chalk. Post pictures of your art on social media and share with SPEAK UP Cortland on Facebook before September 30th to spread awareness even further! Visit their Facebook page to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/SpeakUpCortland
There are a few demographic groups of students that are at higher risk of suicide attempts.
- Females are twice more likely to report that they have thought about suicide than males2
- LGBTQ+ students are 50% more likely to report that they have thought about suicide2
- BIPOC students are 29% more likely to think about suicide than white students2
Even if your child does not fall under one of these groups, it is important to start conversations about mental health and suicide. This may seem like a difficult topic to talk about, but you can begin by asking your teen one simple question: “Are you okay?”
If your child or anyone you know is thinking about suicide, please contact the local or national hotlines below. These hotlines provide free, 24/7 confidential help for those who are in distress, as well as providing resources and practices for you and your loved ones.3
- Cortland County Mobile Crisis Line: (607)-756-3771
- National Suicide Hotline: (988)
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 25). Facts about suicide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
- Cortland Area Communities That Care (CACTC). Results and Analysis: The 2021 Cortland County Youth Survey. https://www.cortlandareactc.org/publications. May 17, 2022.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Line. Lifeline. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://988lifeline.org/
