September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. To raise awareness on this important topic, we welcome guest blogger, Italee Castellon from the Loras College Counseling Services.
As we enter September, it’s important to recognize issues facing our community – our Loras community but also our global community. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is a major public health crisis, with more than 700,000 deaths each year across the world. In the United States, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022 which is equivalent to one death every 11 minutes. Suicide is a leading cause of death for all ages, but for people between the ages of 18-25, it is the second leading cause. Yet the people who have died by suicide represent only a fraction of those who consider or attempt suicide. In the United States in 2022, 13.2 million adults had serious thoughts of suicide, 3.8 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.6 million attempted suicide (CDC). Looking at specifically college students, the 2023 Healthy Minds Study found that 14% of students admitted to having suicidal ideation in the past year.
What can be done? Understanding the issues around suicide and mental health, helping others in crisis, and changing the conversation are important steps in preventing suicide. This is why the WHO has declared the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day to be “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and asking the public to “start the conversation.” This is a call to action that encourages everyone to challenge the stigma and culture of silence around suicide and instead foster a culture that pushes for openness, understanding, and support for those affected. WHO states, “Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society.” This is also a call to action at the macro-level, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize suicide prevention and mental health.
As part of the Loras community, it’s important to keep an eye on each other, check in with each other, and make time for each other. Be aware of your support on campus and off campus. Hold space for love and openness when someone discloses hard feelings and stay with them until appropriate support arrives. Take advantage of the resources available to you in the Loras Counseling Center, as well as your trusted RAs, faculty, and staff. You might also contact the Dubuque chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or call 988, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. No one should have to slip through the cracks and feel alone and if you yourself are feeling alone, please contact someone.
If you’d like to show support for suicide prevention, NAMI will hold a Sunset Community Walk on Sunday, September 8 at 6pm at the University of Dubuque Track & Field. For more information on suicide prevention, please check out the book display on the Library’s third floor.