Suicide Awareness Amidst a Global Pandemic
2020 has been a year filled with unique challenges. We have been immersed in a global pandemic, experienced a near historic movement around civil rights, and for many, struggled financially. Unprecedented uncertainties exist regarding the return to school for young children, adolescents, and those attending college. This also translates to uncertainties around the return to work for educators, administrators, counselors, and indeed, all school personnel.
The mental health needs of students, and of the adults working with those students, have slowly been acknowledged and, at times, prioritized over the past couple of decades. This year, the added anxieties that come with the uncertain times and additional stressors we are facing have made these mental health concerns even more complex, and have further exacerbated existing disparities, heightening the need for these issues to be addressed.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. While understanding that suicide is a health crisis across the lifespan, with adults representing the vast majority of suicides in Colorado, it is often the youth suicides that we find particularly unsettling.
In Colorado, suicide is the leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24.
However, it is so important to remember that suicide is still a rare event and there are ways for all of us to make a difference in someone’s life. The vast number of individuals, including teens, who have struggled with suicidal thoughts have been able to find assistance to help them through the crisis. This is a critical message to share broadly, to highlight that hope is available, and to emphasize the choices outside of suicide that are available to all of us when we are struggling.
With that focus, it is a good time to reflect on the protective factors that have been shown to build resilience in the fight against suicide. These include effective and culturally appropriate behavioral health care, connectedness to others (individuals, family, community, and social institutions), life skills (including problem solving skills and coping skills), self-esteem, and a sense of purpose or meaning in life. As adults, we must all accept the responsibility of the impact we have on the youth we interact with and equally of the role that we play in each other’s lives. This includes listening to others in a non-judgmental manner and assisting them to get the resources they need to start the healing process.
We must also look at how we can positively impact systems-level change further upstream and work to support things like food security, safe and affordable housing, and workplace policies that support mental health. Each of us can make a difference by building strong relationships with others and doing our own small part to improve the lives of others.
It is said that hindsight is 20/20. Along with the challenges this year has brought, opportunities have arisen, too. We have seen great resiliency and strength, and heroes emerge every day as they overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Think of what your “hindsight from 2020” will be, and act with purpose today. Share your gifts with others, be available to listen, know the resources to share if someone is struggling, and share hope. And always remember the importance of practicing self-care. Show a multitude of much-deserved grace to yourself.
Resources:
Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255
The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQ Crisis and Suicide Hotline): 1-866-488-7386
Mental Health First Aid Colorado promotes and supports mental health education and wellness for Coloradans. Learn more and sign up for a class at www.mhfaco.org
