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Suicide Prevention Month: Take ACTion This September

Suicide Prevention Month: Take ACTion This September

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a pivotal time for us at Summit Counseling Center to raise awareness about a pressing issue that affects countless lives. According to the World Health Organization, suicide claims nearly 800,000 lives globally each year. In the United States, it ranks as the 11th leading cause of death, resulting in over 45,000 deaths annually. Remarkably, 94% of adults surveyed in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented. One crucial step in prevention is engaging in open and empathetic conversations about suicide, particularly with loved ones. To guide these conversations, MindWise Innovations has developed the acronym ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) as a simple way to remember how to respond when someone opens up about suicidal thoughts.

  • Acknowledge: Begin by acknowledging and validating their feelings and thoughts rather than dismissing them. Remember, it can be incredibly difficult for someone to bring up thoughts of suicide, and if you don’t take them seriously, they may withdraw and not seek help again.
  • Care: Show you care by actively listening without judgment. It might be challenging to hear, but understanding their experiences is essential. You can also ask them how you can help, as they may not know what they need either. Offering assistance and expressing your care can be a significant first step.
  • Tell: Encourage your friend, family member, or coworker to seek professional help. It’s essential to tell a trusted adult or mental health professional about their struggles. Your support in seeking treatment can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing.

To further empower our community, The Summit offers MindWise’s Signs of Suicide (SOS) Trusted Adult trainings throughout September. These sessions equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize signs, offer assistance, and promote mental health awareness. For more information on our SOS training sessions or to seek therapy for yourself or a loved one, visit our events page.