Thursday, September 20, 2018

Day 20 - The Data That Gives Us Hope


Despite the increasing numbers of suicides, there are reasons to be hopeful. One such reason is that people are beginning to understand that intervention of some kind can save lives. Better yet, people want to know how and when to intervene so that they can help.


An online survey was conducted in August 2018 by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), the public-private partnership working to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP),

The survey assessed perceptions of suicide and mental health among more than 2,000 U.S. adults. The survey also found the following:
  • More than 9 in 10 adults (94 percent) say they would do something if someone close to them was contemplating suicide.
  • Nearly 4 in 5 adults (78 percent) are interested in learning more about how they might be able to play a role in helping someone who may be suicidal. More than 9 in 10 adults (94 percent) think suicide can be prevented sometimes/often/all the time
  • Nearly 3 in 4 adults (73 percent) would tell someone if they were having thoughts of suicide, which shows the importance of having non-judgmental conversations.
  • When it comes to their own health, 4 in 5 U.S. adults (80 percent) say mental health and physical health are equally important. In our current health care system, however, most adults (55 percent) say physical health is prioritized over mental health.
  • Almost half (48 percent) of those who have spoken with others about suicide say it makes them feel better, which shows that talking about suicide does help

While initiating these conversations may be uncomfortable, talking has the capacity to save lives. 

If you are worried about someone, reach out, speak up, and ask questions. Then listen. Sometimes, one caring person can change the entire course of someones life. Sometimes, that care and concern can save a life.

To learn more about the just-released national data, go to: https://go.edc.org/jlsa