The Importance of Checking in on Your Mental Health During Suicide Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and its importance has never been greater. 

Research shows that suicide numbers have steadily increased in recent years, with over 50,000 Americans ending their lives in 2023 alone. Although mental health is still a taboo topic for some, raising awareness is crucial in the effort to save lives. Recognizing the signs in yourself or others can empower you to seek support, practice regular mental health check-ins, and take other proactive measures.

Here’s all you need to know about the link between mental health and suicide, as well as the steps that can be taken during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and beyond.

What Is Suicide Awareness Month?

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, also called Suicide Awareness Month, was founded in California back in 1958 and grew throughout the 1960s to become a nationally recognized event. It was included in the 2001 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, with millions of people now uniting through Out of the Darkness Community Walks and similar initiatives. 

There are many reasons why raising awareness and reducing stigmas surrounding the topic of suicide should be considered important:

• Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in people ages 10-34.
• Victims often have suicidal feelings for some time, meaning prevention is possible.
• Research estimates that 12 million Americans have had thoughts about suicide. 
• Greater awareness helps people identify signs in themselves and others.
• Many people suffer in silence, but open discussion about suicide reduces stigma and changes opinions.

While suicide awareness is a topic people should discuss throughout the year, Suicide Prevention Month encourages everyone to think about its potential impact on their lives and those of their loved ones.

The Link Between Mental Health and Suicide Risk

Poor mental health isn’t the only potential cause of suicidal thoughts. Other possible risk factors include financial troubles, trauma or abuse, and identity issues. Nevertheless, the links between mental health and suicide are clear, with 72% of female suicide victims suffering from a diagnosed mental health problem at the time of their death. 

Several mental health conditions can be associated with increased suicide risks, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

A range of other mental health issues may cause smaller spikes in suicide threats, which is why anyone displaying signs of poor mental health should seek support rather than fight the battle alone.

Understanding the difference between suicidal ideation and suicidal tendencies can help people seek the right type of support. Acknowledging threats is often the first step to minimizing their impact.

The Benefits of Regular Mental Health Check-ins

Research shows that 23% of American adults experienced a mental illness in any given year. However, millions of people without diagnosed mental health problems will experience symptoms of poor mental health, too, even if only for a short while. Either way, regular health check-ins are a crucial step to preventing suicidal thoughts and actions, as well as improving quality of life.

Mental health check-ins can be done in both personal and professional settings. Whether checking in with yourself or supporting a loved one, it’s important to talk openly about feelings, concerns, and actionable steps to increase joy. Taking just a few minutes each day for these check-ins can make a significant difference, contributing to suicide prevention and overall wellness.

Professional mental health check-ins offer the added benefit of speaking to an expert who understands symptoms and suicidal tendencies. For many people, opening up to a stranger is less daunting than a friend. Whichever path you take, though, the benefits of mental health check-ins include:

• Improving your self-awareness by taking time to think about mental health and (where applicable) the topic of suicide
• Detecting issues far earlier, whether that be a previously undiagnosed mental illness or signs of suicide risk
• Building emotional resilience, which can actively reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts during challenging times
• Creating supportive relationships that banish feelings of facing the issues alone
• Empowering you by working on physical and mental wellness and coping mechanisms

Regular mental health check-ins help you regain control of your mental wellness while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of suicidal thoughts. Even if they do surface, you will be better positioned to deal with them.

The frequency and approach to mental health check-ins will differ for each individual, so it’s important to find a method that works best for you. Many people, however, find it especially beneficial to prioritize these check-ins during Suicide Prevention Month and throughout the winter, when certain risk factors tend to increase.

Utilizing Resources and Support Systems

As awareness of the issue grows and people become more attuned to their feelings and thoughts, many resources have become available. These resources are vast and include:

• Friends and family, especially those who have had similar experiences
• Hotlines where you can share your thoughts with an expert confidentially
• Local community groups for suicide prevention
• Online support groups to connect with people who understand you on a personal level
• Professional programs to treat underlying mental health issues and suicidal thoughts

The above resources highlight that you do not have to face suicide prevention alone during Suicide Awareness Month or beyond. Including trusted loved ones in your journey to gain support (or being there for someone you know) will make the road ahead feel far less bumpy.

Suicide Prevention Help in Southern California and Oregon

Regular mental health check-ins during Suicide Awareness Month and throughout the year can play a vital role in managing mental wellness and preventing the threat of thoughts escalating into action. Moreover, the more we open ourselves up to discussions, the less of a taboo subject suicide will be.

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideations in Southern California or Oregon, Jackson House is here to help. Contact our friendly team and take the first step toward a happier future today.