Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: SAVE. {Day TWO} 38th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week

Today is day TWO of the 38th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week (September 9th-15th).

Have you heard about SAVE? It stands for Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. 

SAVE was one of the nation's first organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide and was a co-founding member of the National Council for Suicide Prevention. Our history and growth from an all-volunteer, small grassroots group of passionate survivors led us to what is one of today's leading national not-for-profit organizations with staff dedicated to prevent suicide. This site, along with our work, is based on the foundation and belief that suicide should no longer be considered a hidden or taboo topic and that through raising awareness and educating the public, we can SAVE lives. 

Today I am posting bits of information from SAVE's website.

Facts about suicide that may surprise you:

• Suicide takes the lives of nearly 30,000 Americans every year.
• There are twice as many deaths due to suicide than HIV/AIDS.
• Over half of all suicides occur in adult men, ages 25-65.
• 1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 commit suicide each year.
• The strongest risk factor for suicide is depression.
• Suicide can be prevented through education and public awareness.

Many people who are suicidal are afraid to reach out for help due to the stigma that is attached to mental illness. SAVE lists questions that are not only okay to ask, but questions you should ask:

• "Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?"
• "Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life?"
• "Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?"
• "Have you thought about what method you would use?"

A person who is suicidal doesn't want to hear you minimize their problems. In fact, by doing this, you may push the person further away or even into making a plan to follow through with the suicide.

For some, placing the initial call to get help is the hardest. I know this from experience. This phone call can mean life or death for the suicidal individual. Offer to be in the room while he or she calls or better yet, place the call for him or her. Hold their hand. Give them a hug. Don't let the answer be, "Fine..." when you ask how someone is, especially if you know he or she is deeply hurting. Words of encouragement and understanding go a long way.

Follow SAVE on Twitter: @youcantoo, on their Facebook Page, and on YouTube for up to date tips and information.