September is Suicide Prevention Month

Each September, Suicide Prevention Month is recognized globally and serves as a way to raise the visibility of the mental health resources and suicide prevention services available to our community.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death among adults, and the second-leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 in the United States.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2019, more than 47,500 people died by suicide, representing an average of 130 suicides daily. Over the past year, public health actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 such as social distancing have increased feelings of isolation, loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Each and every suicide directly impacts a minimum of one hundred additional people, including family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community members.

The City Council adopted a resolution recognizing September as Suicide Prevention and Action Month in the City of Boston and encourages all residents to take the time to understand the importance of mental health education.

The City of Boston publicly places its full support behind those who work in the fields of mental health, education, and public health. National organizations like Hope for the Day, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and many others, and local mental health partners like the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Emergency Services Team, serve on the frontlines of a crisis that many refuse to discuss due to stigma related to suicide and mental health issues.

Individuals that are seeking or know someone that is seeking free and confidential emotional support and crisis resources can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English or 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish.