September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to reflect on the tens of thousands of lives lost to suicide each year — from ordinary citizens to celebrities, first responders, and even elected officials. It is also a time to re-evaluate our strategies for preventing these tragedies.
Suicide is on the rise in the U.S., especially among young people. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a death from suicide occurs every 11 minutes in America. The suicide rate among people ages 10 to 24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021, from 6.8 deaths to 11.0 per 100,000.
To address the increase, one leading mental health nonprofit is encouraging people to discuss the issue openly and with compassion.
Culver City-based Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which is home to the state’s largest 988 suicide crisis center, has developed a five-step approach for talking about suicide with the people you know.
Here are the five steps to follow, according to the experts at Didi Hirsch:
1. Step Up: Ask about suicide. Choose a private and safe space. Begin the conversation by sharing your concern in a non-judgmental way.
2. Step Up: Listen attentively. Listen without judgment and with empathy and respect. Acknowledge their pain and validate their feelings.
3. Step to Safety: Develop a safety plan. If your loved one expresses suicidal thoughts, it’s important to ensure their immediate safety.
4. Step Forward: Encourage professional help. Let them know you want to help and connect them with professional support.
5. Step by Step: Follow up regularly. After the initial conversation, check in regularly to see how they re doing and remind them of your ongoing support.
You can read more about Didi Hirsch’s mental health services and suicide prevention efforts here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24-7. To call the National Suicide Hotline (988 Lifeline), dial 988 from your phone.