September marks Suicide Prevention Month. Recent national polls indicate that 94% of adults believe suicide can be prevented. Unfortunately, we continue to see dramatic increases in the number of youths who need care. The latest statistics are sobering.
Almost 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021; that’s 1 death every 11 minutes. Of those, over 7,000 were between the ages of 10 and 24. In addition, 12 million adults thought about suicide and more than 3 million made a plan.
In 2021, more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered attempting suicide and 1 in 10 (10%) attempted suicide, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Suicide is preventable. We are listening.
As a behavioral health care provider right here in central Pennsylvania, our team at The Meadows Psychiatric Center is dedicated to #BeThere during #SPM23 (Suicide Prevention Month 2023) in a manner that promotes connectedness and recovery. Culturally relevant mental health services, evidence-based treatments and support are available. We are listening — and we can help.
If you or someone you love is experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, 24/7 assessments are available by contacting us directly, or you may contact:
*988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that provides 24/7, no-cost and confidential support for individuals in distress, including prevention and crisis resources. Text, chat or call today. Trained crisis counselors are ready to serve.
*The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans; call 988 and press 1.
*Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at (866) 488-7386.
We want our community to know we are in this together, and each of us has a role to play in suicide prevention throughout the year and especially in September.
Rodney Kornrumpf is the CEO and managing director of The Meadows Psychiatric Center.
