Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention. YOU MATTER!
We often believe we know the struggles our loved ones face, but what we don’t always see is the toll these battles take on their mental health. This person may put on a brave face and may be smiling and laughing all the time. But beneath that superhero façade, there may be a whole other reality. A reality where that person may be severely depressed and thinking about ending their own life.
A Growing Crisis: The Reality of Suicide Rates
Although May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, these conversations should not be limited to just one month. Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those who are struggling is something we should be prioritizing year-round.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 720,000 people die by suicide globally every year—making it the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
In the United States, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, equating to one death every 11 minutes.
The long-term mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt, with increased stressors such as social isolation, financial difficulties, and uncertainty exacerbating existing mental health conditions and heightening suicide risk.
📢 Get Help: You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You are not alone, and support is just a call or text away.
📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential support available 24/7. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Breaking the Stigma, Supporting Each Other
By working together to break the stigma and promote open conversations, we can help create a world where mental health is prioritized and no one feels alone in their struggles.
What Can You Do? Be a Lifeline
Additional Resources
✅ The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – This is a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The website has a multitude of resources to help those in need and their families find treatment or during a crisis.
✅ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
✅ Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and then press 1.
✅ National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP [4357] to find a mental or substance use disorder treatment facility near you.
✅ Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
✅ Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
✅ Open Counseling – This site lists all the suicide prevention and crisis hotlines for countries around the world. https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/
✅ The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386, This is a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth.
✅ Mental Health America: This organization provides a variety of resources for suicide prevention, including warning signs, risk factors, and tips for starting a conversation.
✅ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: - This organization provides resources for those who have lost someone to suicide, as well as resources for prevention and education.
It is important to note that these resources are not a substitute for professional medical help. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
Article revised 2/5/2025: The statistics and resources have been updated to reflect the most recent data available as of February 2025.