TCSS Recognizes National Suicide Prevention Month

  • September 2021

    Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness show that suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34. This is one of the many reasons suicide prevention awareness and efforts are cruicially important to the Tuscaloosa County School System. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to learn how we can all help prevent suicide.  

    World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. The Monday through Sunday surrounding September 10 is National Suicide Prevention Week.

    In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is sharing this message: #BeThe1To. This helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide.

    We can all #BeThe1To:

    Ask. Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

    Be There. People are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

    Keep them Safe. A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.

    Help Them Stay Connected. Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them reduce feelings of hopelessness.

    Follow Up. Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

    If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

    If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

     

    More Suicide Prevention Resources

    Visit this page for more information and resources on suicide prevention and finding support for someone with thoughts of suicide.