Talk Away the Dark: Jewish Family Services Highlights Suicide Prevention Month

September 2024

By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and its importance has never been more critical. Suicide is a leading cause of death in our country. In 2022, nearly 50,000 people died by suicide, making it the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Alarmingly, this marks a 16% increase over the past decade. Among youth aged 10-24, suicide is now the second leading cause of death.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a nonprofit organization that focuses on national health issues, firearms are overwhelmingly the leading means by which suicides occur, driven by loose gun control laws. Firearm-related suicides have become the most common method of suicide, accounting for 55% of all suicide fatalities in both 2021 and 2022. States with fewer gun laws tend to have higher firearm suicide rates. In 2021, suicides accounted for more than half of all deaths involving firearms.

This year’s campaign, “Talk Away the Dark,” emphasizes the importance of opening up conversations and reaching out to those who may be struggling emotionally. Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is crucial. Changes in behavior or the emergence of new behaviors, especially following a painful event, loss, or change, can indicate someone is at risk. Not everyone who is at risk of suicide exhibits clear or easily recognizable warning signs, however most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs through their words or actions.

Warning Signs: Talk: If a person talks about killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, or experiencing unbearable pain, they may be at risk. Behavior: Behaviors that may signal risk, particularly if related to a painful event, loss, or change, include:

- Increased use of drugs or alcohol

- Researching ways to end their life

- Withdrawing from activities

- Isolating from family or friends

- Changing sleeping patterns

- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

- Giving away prized possessions

- Exhibiting aggression

- Experiencing fatigue

- Mood — People considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

- Depression

- Anxiety

- Loss of interest

- Irritability

- Humiliation or shame

- Agitation or anger

- Relief or sudden improvement If you identify warning signs and are concerned about someone, the most important step is to have an honest conversation with them. While it may feel uncomfortable, it is crucial to reach out. Research indicates that discussing your concerns can be a catalyst for someone to seek help and potentially prevent a suicide. Here are some tips for having this conversation:

- Talk to them in private

- Listen to their story

- Express your concern and care for them

- Ask them directly if they are

thinking about suicide

- If they are considering suicide, stay with them and call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If they are struggling but not considering suicide, help them seek professional help.

For more information or professional help, contact JFS at 704-364-6594 or email info@ jfscharlotte.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.