Today is World Suicide Prevention Day - What Makes Suicide Preventable?

September is suicide prevention awareness month. It hits me every time ... hard. Before June 2010, when my brother first told me of his suicide ideation, September was just another month. It had always represented transitions, new beginnings, a fresh start – back-to-school and Fall. Now, I spend some time each September thinking about what makes suicide preventable.
 
While suicide has been an important part of my story and one of the reasons I founded Courage to Caregivers, it’s important to remember that we are not an organization focused entirely on suicide – we're here for YOU, the caregiver, family members and loved ones of those living with mental illness. There are many fantastic organizations we have partnered with that make suicide prevention their mission.
 
I speak to someone just about every day about suicide and suicide ideation. While I’ve learned a lot over the last 10 years, I’m far from an expert. I’m a sister – a friend – to someone I loved very much who lived with the idea that we’d all be better off without him. What I’ve come to realize is that NO ONE wants to end their life – they want to end the PAIN.
 
For the past week, I’ve been sharing resources on our social media, and will continue to do so throughout September. Yet, I feel it’s so important I also wanted to send a special email – on World Suicide Prevention Day – JUST focused on what makes suicide preventable.
 
FIRST of all, if you need someone to talk to right away, remember the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK/8255) and the Crisis Text Line (text CONNECT to 741741) are available to you and your loved ones 24/7. What’s important for you to know is that while these are national numbers – they are all answered locally. We have partnered with FrontLine in Cleveland, the agency who responds in the 216/440 area codes.
 
NEXT, what makes suicide preventable? Talking about it. You will NEVER give someone the idea for suicide. Here’s an excellent five-step guide from #BeThe1To about talking with your loved one when you don’t know what to say.
 
NEXT, know the risk factors and warning signs. Here’s a complete resource for what to look for. Know that there is no such thing as crying wolf when it comes to suicide. Every mention should be taken seriously.
 
NEXT, arm yourself with knowledge. I loved my Mental Health First Aid Class – check out the local schedule in your area. Other excellent classes are  NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Basics and Family-to-Family – check with your local NAMI chapter. Knowledge is your superpower – you might just save a life.
 
And THEN, keep talking and keep listening. Never shy away from asking your loved one “are you OK?” or telling them “I’m worried about you” or just telling them how much you love them.
 
Supporting someone you love who you are worried about is HARD. If you just need someone to talk to – reach out, we're here and available to listen.
 
Remember, you are never alone!