According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in 2020, an average of one person died by suicide every 13 hours in Maryland. In Montgomery County, the suicide mortality rate increased by 63% between 2010 and 2018. To raise awareness about this issue, National Suicide Prevention Week was observed from Sept. 5 to 11.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a movement recognized annually in September, with the goal of spreading information on the signs of suicide and suicide prevention across the nation. Part of this month-long campaign is the National Suicide Prevention Week, which occurs the week of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10.
During this time, mental health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Association of Suicidology and the National Institute of Mental Health shared resources in an effort to educate the public and decrease national suicide rates. Many individuals also came together to share their personal experiences with suicide and spread hope.
Richard Montgomery High School junior Aarushi Gupta stated the importance of recognizing National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. “It’s needed in order to reduce stigma, educate yourself and those around you, and learn the dangers and effects of suicide,” Gupta said.
This year, the Maryland Department of Health launched a toolkit called Stories of Hope in honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The toolkit includes fact sheets on warning signs, risk factors and steps to prevent suicide. It also provides a safe space for suicide survivors to share their stories and raise awareness.
Additionally, on Sept. 19, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosted an Out of the Darkness Walk at the Soccerplex in Germantown. These community walks allow those who have been impacted by suicide to share their stories and support each other.
The Montgomery County Out of the Darkness Walk has raised a total of $35,169 on their webpage, where a digital memorial wall is available to honor those who have been lost to suicide in Montgomery County. Teams from Northwest High School and Kingsview Middle School participated in the event.
To close out National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention will be hosting the 33rd Annual Suicide Prevention Conference on Oct. 6. The event will be held virtually, and more information on how to register is available on the Maryland Department of Health website.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge it so that people can learn more about mental health and also so mental health can get destigmatized,” Richard Montgomery junior Liz Frisbie said. “Mental health should be talked about more, and I think this month is perfect for that.”
If you or someone you know requires mental health assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000.
Article by Chloe Goldberg of Richard Montgomery High School
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons