September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, serving as a reminder of warning signs and life-saving resources. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 133 suicides every day in the United States, with men accounting for 80% of all suicide deaths.
Mental health experts say recognizing the warning signs and starting conversations about suicide is critical across all communities. Counselors emphasize that anyone who is struggling needs to know support is available and they are not alone.
To help residents navigate these conversations, Child and Family Services offers a program that trains community members on how to approach the subject. “We open it up to everyone in the community because you really never know when it’s something that could affect you,” Gomez said. “I think it’s hard these days, sadly, to find anyone who hasn’t been touched by suicide in one way or another. No matter what your role is in the community, all of those roles can be touched by suicide. We want to make sure that if you are in our community, that you feel confident talking to people about suicide.”
The program works with various organizations across Northern Michigan to get people the help they need. Partner groups include Single MOM, the Children’s Advocacy Center and Raining Liberty Ranch, which provides support for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder or depression symptoms.
Beyond local resources, national support is accessible by calling 988, the national hotline for suicide prevention. Gomez emphasized that community connection remains a key element in supporting those in need. “It’s important as a community that we feel connected to each other,” Gomez said. “And that means being empathetic and understanding of the struggles that other people are facing in our community.”
In light of September being Suicide Prevention Awareness month, a suicide prevention awareness walk is scheduled for Sept. 19 at Clinch Park in Traverse City. Organized by volunteers, the non-competitive event spans between 1 and 3 miles and features an opening ceremony, activities of hope and healing, resource tables and complimentary items, with all proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For more information you can visit their website.
