09/20/2022
Su***de is the act of taking one's own life by intentional self-harm or self-inflicted injury. Non-fatal self-inflicted injuries are more common, and not all self-inflicted injuries are su***de attempts. Su***de affects all ages. It is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, the fourth leading cause among people ages 34-54, and the fifth leading cause among people ages 45-54.
Some groups have higher su***de rates than others. Americans with higher-than-average rates of su***de are veterans, people who live in rural areas, and workers in certain industries and occupations, like mining and construction. Young people who are le***an, gay, or bisexual have a higher rate of suicidal ideation and behavior compared to their peers who identify as straight.
There is help available. The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline) offers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
Federal legislation passed in 2020, required by July 16, 2022, the number 988 will connect callers to the national su***de prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. There is no charge to speak to a trained mental health counselor. You are not alone. There is help available.
For more information:
https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/su***deprevention/index.html
https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/988-fact-sheet.pdf
https://floridasu***deprevention.org/
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | MCHB (hrsa.gov)
Reposted; originally written by Amy Cormier, DOH
