Suicide is a very real, but preventable health problem. You could change someone’s life by asking, “Are you okay?”
Kurt Cobain, Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, and Vincent Van Gogh–They lost their battle with depression and suicide. And while we know their names, thousands more have struggled with depression and suicide.
- In 2017, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and claimed over 47,000 people.
- Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.
- And this is a staggering fact: In 2017, there were more than twice as many suicides in the United States as there were homicides.
Suicide is a very real, but preventable health problem.
Do you have a feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or are they just not themselves?
Learn the signs, trust your gut instinct, and ask “Are you okay?” It’s a simple question that could save their life.
By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or co-worker open up. If they say they are not okay, there is help available.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
You’re not in this alone.
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