September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: #BeThe1To

September 2023

By: Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

This month’s mental health article focuses on a serious and crucial topic: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM). Suicide is a matter of grave concern that demands our attention. Regrettably, it has emerged as a significant health crisis confronting our nation, with the suicide rate witnessing a staggering 30% increase between 2000 and 2020. Here are some leading facts about suicide:

• It is the second leading cause of death for 10-14-year-olds and the third for 15-24 year olds.

• 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.

• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide.

• Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition, but research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Here are some conclusions we can draw from the data:

• Our youth and young adults are struggling! The historical pressures of being a teen are now compounded by the influence of social media. Teens and young adults are under a 24-hour microscope, and every aspect of their lives is being judged.

• The stigma of having a mental health issue is alive and well in our male population.

• Access to treatment is often a barrier.

• Suicide is preventable!

The research and data have proven that receiving mental health treatment significantly reduces the likelihood of someone dying by suicide. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that a simple act of reaching

out, whether by a friend, family member, or colleague, can wield a significant influence in deterring someone from taking their own life.

This year’s theme for suicide prevention month is #BeThe1To:

Ask and Listen

Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Asking in this direct, unbiased manner can open the door for effective dialogue about their emotional pain and can allow everyone involved to see what next steps need to be taken. Other questions you can ask include, “How do you hurt?” and “How can I help?” Do not ever promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret. The flip side of the “Ask” step is to “Listen.” Make sure you take their answers seriously and do not ignore them, especially if they indicate they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Attentively hearing out their explanations for their emotional distress, along with being attuned to any factors that provide them with a sense of purpose to keep living, holds immense significance during the moments when they’re sharing their experiences with you.

Be There

This might involve being physically available for someone, engaging in phone conversations whenever feasible, or employing any other method that demonstrates your solidarity with the individual in jeopardy. A crucial component of this phase is ensuring that you fulfill the commitments you make regarding the kind of support you can provide. It’s imperative not to commit to actions that you’re unwilling or unable to carry out. Should you find yourself unable to be physically present

for someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, engage in a dialogue with them to brainstorm alternative options involving others who could potentially offer assistance. Once again, active listening plays a pivotal role during this phase. Ascertain their insights into what sources of help and which individuals they consider to be most effective.

Keep Them Safe

A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline and frequently suicide rates overall decline. This is particularly relevant as it relates to youth and access to guns.

Help Them Stay Connected Research suggests that aiding an individual at risk in establishing a network of resources and supportive individuals can play a pivotal role in motivating positive steps and diminishing feelings of despair.

Follow Up

Once you’ve initiated the initial contact with an individual struggling with suicidal thoughts and have connected them to the immediate support systems required, it’s important to maintain follow-up communication to inquire about their well-being. Drop a message, send a text, or give them a call. The follow-up phase provides an opportunity to revisit their situation and determine if there are additional ways you can be of assistance, or if there are any pending commitments you’ve made that require fulfillment on their behalf.

If you or anyone you know are having a mental health crisis or at risk of suicide, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Helpline. If you are in need of mental health counseling, call Jewish Family Services at (704) 364-6594.

Jewish Family Services Volunteers & Donors July 2023

Volunteers: Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Suzy Catenazzo, Harvey Chesler, Dan Coblenz, Jonathan Collman, Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Terri Fishman, Rachel Friedman, Robert Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Richard Goldsmith, Jennifer Golynsky, Gail Halverson, Rebecca Hockfield, Oren Hubara, Tara Hubara, Dawn Hubbs, Bob Jacobson, Mike Kaplan, Rikki Kinitsky, Alison Kushner, Jennifer Koss, Elliot and Stephanie Kreitman, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Adina Loewensteiner, Matt Luftglass, Gene Marx, Frada Mozenter, Beth Rose Oxman, Wendy Petricoff, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Marilyn Schuster, Janice Shubin,

Louis Sinkoe, Harry Sparks, Lorin Steifel, Steve Teich, David and Beth Thrope, NancyWielunski, Amanda Zaidman

Shalom Green: Thank to all Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients

Hadassah Meal Preppies: June Hirschmann, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Jered Mond, Andrea Schewitz, Helene Schilian, Elissa Vining

Food Pantry Donations: Thank you to our generous community for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building at Shalom Park.