Guest Column from State Rep. Al Landis: Raising Awareness for Suicide Prevention Helps End the Stigma

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and as the 15th leading cause of death worldwide, it is of vital importance to raise awareness for this issue and provide resources to those in need. Approximately one person succumbs to suicide every 40 seconds—a statistic that is simply mind-blowing—and it’s evident that more needs to be done.

This awareness month helps to spread resources to the public, so that those who are struggling might come across a helpline in a time of need, or so a parent or friend can send information to a loved one who could use it. Additionally, these types of campaigns help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide by making it clear that it is a prevalent issue in our society dealt with by people from all walks of life.

To bolster this awareness month, World Suicide Prevention Day occurs on September 10th. Many light candles near a window that evening in a show of support for those who grapple with suicidal tendencies. The day exists as an effort to prevent suicides by getting the proper help to the individuals who need it.

Suicide is a problem that isn’t restricted to just one month of the year, it affects the lives of so many each and every day. In November, Ohio Survivors of Suicide Loss Day occurs on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, a special day to reach out to the families and friends who still grieve for those they lost to suicide.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-8255. You can find more information about mental health and the education and programs available from the Ohio affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness at namiohio.org.