Tyler Star News
Each year, September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. Along with the September designation comes another year of school children returning to the classroom. The month of September provides individuals and organizations with dedicated space to raise awareness, share resources, and focus on helping those reaching out.
The consensus from suicide prevention organizations is that we need to talk about suicide with those we love and are in contact with and what better place than at local schools. Parents need to have conversations daily with their children, and those conversations should include suicide. That conversation can be tough, but tough conversations can lead to better outcomes.
Suicide is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach when discussing prevention. There are multiple strategies to reduce risk, but the number one consensus from suicide prevention organizations is that we need to talk more about suicide. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors peak in the teen years. Suicide, taking your own life, is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations. Warning signs aren’t always obvious, and they may vary from person to person. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret.
Suicidal thoughts have many causes. Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like you can’t cope when you’re faced with what seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you don’t have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution. You may experience a sort of tunnel vision, where in the middle of a crisis you believe suicide is the only way out. There also may be a genetic link to suicide. People who complete suicide or who have suicidal thoughts or behavior are more likely to have a family history of suicide.
Read more: https://www.tylerstarnews.com/opinions/editorial/2024/09/04/help-prevent-suicide/
