Raleigh.- September is the month in which organizations and government institutions across the country join forces to raise awareness about suicide.
With the goal of preventing more deaths, every year September 10 is also celebrated as World Suicide Prevention Day, in memory of those affected.
In its call to raise awareness, the Government of North Carolina focuses on suicide as a state and national health crisis that affects the entire population.
As a mental health condition that affects all people regardless of race, ethnicity or economic status, action for timely prevention is urgent.
According to figures from North Carolina authorities, in 2022 1,539 people aged 10 and over will die by suicide.
With this figure, suicide has become the second cause of death for people between 10 and 40 years old, the authorities emphasized.
But that is only an example of the seriousness of this situation, because for every death there are 2 hospitalizations and 8 emergency services for self-injuries.
This means that by 2022 there will be a total of 2,969 hospitalizations and 12,287 emergency service visits due to suicide attempts.
In its attempt to prevent more deaths, National Suicide Prevention Month serves as a special call to action with the population.
The life line
In the United States, one of the main tools to prevent suicide is the suicide help line. 988.
With attention to Spanish and also through text messages, 988 has become a reference for people in crisis periods and people close to them.
The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the aim of helping at any time it is needed.
By calling or writing to the helpline, you are connected to counselors who are willing to listen and offer other resources during a crisis period.
This is because organizations and authorities emphasize that the fact of communicating with others in the most difficult moments can be very important.
Formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988 now has online chat support.
To do this, you need to enter the page with the following button to start receiving help in Spanish:
Always considerate
According to specialists, the following risk factors have been identified that can lead to crisis episodes that can lead to suicide:
- History of depression or other mental disorders.
- A recent life crisis, such as a death in the family or other loss.
- Social isolation.
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, including persistent harassment.
- A previous suicide attempt.
- Substance abuse or misuse.
- Conflict between individuals, such as family members or the everyday environment.
In the population, the authorities warn, there are also ideas or beliefs about suicide (stigmas), which they point out represent an obstacle to overcome.
If you feel alone, that some situations have no solution, or you have thoughts about ceasing to exist, remember that it’s okay to ask for and receive help.
