Submitted by Dina Jenks
It is the second leading cause of death among youth and college students, and the reality of it is, that it is kept silent. It is called the “Silent Epidemic”. In the past, it was almost taboo to even mention it. It is time to destigmatize the conversation.
We all suffer from some type of sadness or depression in one way or another, but some cases are more serious than others. The crucial reality is to be aware of the more serious signs of pre-suicidal thinking. So many have lost loved ones to this illness and it is still swept under the rug to avoid stigmatization. To help the millions of people and their loved ones who are suffering, we essentially need to begin by bringing the darkness to light. This darkness hovers over our lives because of the unknown and the ability to prevent it is not practiced, understood, or considered, until it is too late. Many of us or those we love are suffering and struggling with more serious mental health that crucially needs to be addressed.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that many youths have either attempted suicide or have injured themselves in the attempt.
Our state and communities, including school communities, can use strategies with such best available evidence as that documented in the CDC Preventing Suicide Technical Package. Preventing adverse childhood experiences can help reduce suicide risk among adolescents through strategies that promote safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments in childhood.
Some other suggested strategies in a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention include supporting families by strengthening economic supports and teaching coping and problem-solving skills among children, adolescents, and their parents; promoting connectedness between youths and their schools, teachers, peers, and family; creating protective environments in schools and at home promoting help seeking behaviors; reducing stigma; and training teachers and adults in recognizing signs of suicide and responding effectively through referrals to evidence-based treatment. Collectively, schools and the media should respond to and report on suicides in ways that are supportive and responsible (e.g., not sensationalizing deaths), thereby avoiding additional suicides (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/su/pdfs/su6901a6-H.pdf, Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019).
If it is such a problem, then why are we so silent about it? How can we help? Support the #IWONTBESILENT or #WEWONTBESILENT campaign, designed to educate and advocate about this Silent Epidemic to take some of the “silence” away (iwontbesilent.jasonfoundation.com). One attempt at suicide is one attempt too many. Additionally, comprehensive suicide prevention can address different factors and reduce suicidal ideation and behaviors by implementing programs, practices, and policies that allegedly prevent suicide.
Join the Jason Foundation and learn how to prevent it. We won’t be silent any longer (#WEWONTBESILENT).