Drew Clark
WhiteFlag Athlete
In 2022 there was an estimated 1.6 million suicide attempts 49, 476 people died by suicide, and it
was the 11th leading cause of death in America (Suicide Statistics, 2024).
Every year when September rolls around a small community comes together to raise awareness
for the same cause. A community that isn’t afraid to speak on a topic so sensitive. A community
that has had similar struggles, stories, and experiences. Mental health doesn’t discriminate, and suicide isn’t the easiest topic to raise awareness for, but it’s something that has to be done if we want to see a change. But when we come together during September, it makes it easier for us to check on our loved ones, it makes it easier to post about it on social media, and it makes it easier to use our voices to say what we think about mental health and how we all can help. We know every month can't be September, but what’s stopping us from using our voices to make a change
like every month is September.
Suicide doesn’t only happen in September, but we can utilize this month as an opportunity to get
the conversation started so we can see progress when September ends. Whenever I talk about
suicide my heart drops a little because I know I can't help everyone. But what I can do is
recognize that even the smallest gesture can make a change. One life saved is more than no lives
saved. The point I’m making is when you're thinking about starting the conversation to help
someone it doesn’t have to be big and grand. One small gesture is all it takes.
How do we start that conversation? Sometimes all it takes is asking somehow how their day
went. Sometimes it takes more than that, like maybe grab a coffee, or binge-watching movies on
the couch with them all day, but being by their side is step one. Remember, its all about the small
gesture. Don’t bombard them with questions, ask one and let them open up, listening is the key
when it comes to helping. Listening will benefit the both of you, you’ll learn about them, and
they will feel more comfortable opening up. And you’ll probably learn something about yourself
too. The more you listen the more of a help you can be.
If you take anything away from this, remember its all about the small gesture. All I can ask of
you this September is to make a small gesture. Listen. And you’ll be amazed at what can be done
by just being there for somebody. Remember to treat every month like September.
References
Suicide statistics. (2024, August 26). American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention. https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/
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