September 10, 2018 -- County Executive George Latimer today recognized September 2018 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, joining with County Departments and Westchester organizations and families to reduce the number of suicides occurring each year. In 2016, nearly 45,000 people committed suicide in the U.S., leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34, and the fourth leading cause of death for people ages 34 to 54. It is a top 10 cause of death for all Americans. The rate of suicide has increased more than 25% between 1999 and 2016.
Latimer said: “Suicide is a preventable cause of death. By learning to recognize and take seriously the warning signs of depression, emotional pain and helplessness, we can work together to prevent the tragedy of suicide.”
Throughout the month of September, in recognition of suicide awareness efforts, the Westchester County Suicide Prevention and Awareness Task Force, led by Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), in partnership with other County departments, provider agencies, school districts and advocacy organizations, are offering various training programs including Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid Training, SafeTalk and other Suicide Prevention Training and Co-Occurring Disorder Awareness (CODA) programs.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Westchester, in partnership with the Task Force, is presenting a documentary screening of Suicide: The Ripple Effect on at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26 at the Showcase Cinema De Lux, City Center, 237 Martine Avenue, White Plains. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring Kevin Hines. Tickets must be purchased in advance via https://screeningsuicide-therippleeffect.eventbrite.com.
DCMH Commissioner Michael Orth said: “We can all help prevent tragedies in our own communities by learning to recognize and take seriously the signs of depression and emotional pain. Subtle signs include withdrawal from family, friends and activities that were previously enjoyed or an increased use of alcohol or drugs. It is important that we reach out to colleagues, friends and family members and open the door for conversation.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers the following suggestions for talking with someone at risk of suicide:
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Speak openly and honestly about your concern. Asking someone directly if they are considering suicide often provides relief.
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Be willing to listen with compassion and without judgment. Do not express shock or horror. It is important to listen.
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Do not try to persuade the individual that their situation is ‘not that bad’. You really don’t know what their experience is.
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Do offer to help find support and assistance. Someone who is considering suicide often cannot see solutions to their problems. That doesn’t mean that solutions do not exist.
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If you can, accompany the person to an Emergency Room, a therapist, member of the clergy, or other support who can help.
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Do not promise secrecy.
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Remove means of suicide or separate the person from the means if you can do so safely. Do not put yourself in danger.
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After you’ve helped the individual connect with someone who can help, if possible, check in with them, remain involved and supportive.
County Executive Latimer noted that Westchester has excellent mental health and suicide prevention resources available in a crisis and for the long term. He added, “Help is just a phone call away for residents who feel overwhelmed or who believe someone close to them is at risk.”
Crisis Resources
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If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
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If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255).
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If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
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Call St. Vincent’s Hospital Crisis Prevention and Response Team at (914) 925-5959.
For additional information and resources contact the Department of Community Mental Health at (914) 995-5225 or check out the Westchester Suicide Prevention and Awareness Website at http://westchestersuicidesafety.org.