By Arren Joseph-White
September is Suicide Awareness Month. It’s an important topic, yet one many choose to dance around; the heaviness makes it feel impossible to bring up. In a busy world, mental health and well-being can be hard to keep up with. As college students, it’s even more difficult. From deadlines and due dates to late nights and hard work, it all seems endless. It’s times like these that we have to remember ourselves as human beings, how important we are, and why we need to take care of ourselves. Mental health is one of the most neglected aspects of today’s society, so the signs of ideation when it comes to suicide or otherwise cannot be overlooked by anyone.
The push for suicide prevention started in the 1950s, when the nation’s first suicide prevention center opened in California. While other crisis centers followed, the issue truly gained attention in the 1990s, when activists pushed for increased awareness. In the 2000s, other developments really took place to help. World Suicide Prevention Day (on September 10th) was given to us in 2003. In 2005, the year the National Suicide Prevention Hotline was established; however, the number changed from a 1-800 phone number to the shorter 988 in 2022. But the month of September was declared as Suicide Awareness Month in 2008. This timeline shows just how far we have come in gently opening the conversation to such a grim topic. The point of this month and the resources and discussions is not to dampen a situation, but to remind people that it is indeed a problem that needs attention.
Other than being aware of the history, we should also be aware of just how significant the problem is in our world. The statistics for suicide have created a gap in our society, and it does not include those not documented, or those who attempted and failed to take their own lives. In the United States, suicide is one of the leading causes of death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide each year. Many different factors contribute to why someone would want to take their life: social factors, home life, mental illness, and more. Most of those who commit or attempt the act come from lower-income areas and countries, places where people deal with great struggles. Those at the biggest risk are people who tend to struggle with discrimination, like people of color or queer individuals. Teens and young adults are also at risk. Most people will attempt or commit because they feel as if there is no way out from the stresses of life. It’s the hopeless emotion of feeling trapped, as if there is only one solution. Realistically, there are solutions, but many in deep holes cannot find them on their own.
Whether or not you find yourself in that hole, everyone should be aware of the signs when someone is planning to attempt or having ideations of suicide. Some of the emotional signs to look out for can be mood swings or general unbearable emotional pain. Physically, there might be reckless behavior (like drugs, alcohol, or dangerous driving), preparations made (such as planning and withdrawing from loved ones), or even different sleeping or eating patterns. This is only a small list; problems can vary from big to small. In some instances, it’s not as obvious and the signs can be missed. The important thing is to trust yourself; if you believe something might be wrong with someone you care about, gently bring it up. Reassure them and offer a safe space to talk and provide resources. Being a support system is one of the best things that you can do.
We are lucky enough to live in an age where there are solutions at our fingertips. Safe spaces are just a phone call or a chatroom away. In today’s world, where suicide is still a major issue, developing solutions is important. We might not be able to completely eradicate the problem, but we can do our part to soften the blow by creating ways to help.
On campus, Pirates Care is located in Room 510 over in Building 5. Their purpose is to be a place for practically all students needs, including mental health counseling or emergency aid. Their services can be in person or via telephone.
Another local service that specializes in mental health is Lakeview Center, which is based in Pensacola. If you wish to schedule an appointment or have any questions about Lakeview, prospective patients may reach them at (850) 469-3500.
The Suicide Prevention Hotline is under 988. For veterans in crisis, press 1 to be directed to a professional with qualifications.
Queer youth can contact the Trevor Project when they are having a crisis, at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
All of these resources can be accessed at your fingertips; easy, reliable, and quick for those who need help. The resources aren’t there to judge, they are there to provide help, so anxiety and fear (though reasonable and justified) can be eased knowing that you will get the assistance you need.
Our world is a complicated one; looking out for yourself can feel impossible, let alone looking out for those we care about. There’s something endearingly complicated about it, the way that we attempt to navigate our mental health. We take medicine, exercise, and get outside in fresh air. But sometimes, it’s still not enough. There are some moments where we still find ourselves with cloudy minds, stuck in deep caverns that see no light. But, be aware, that hope does exist. It might feel impossible to see at some points, but it is there. Everyone deserves a chance at survival. No one should have to trudge through emotions like these alone. Getting help is the first step, and once that step is taken, it is easier to find hope and live to see another day.