September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Since 2008 the month of September has been declared National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide has been influencing people’s lives for centuries, and still the rate of suicide continues to climb. According to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, “For every 1 person who dies by suicide annually, 316 seriously consider suicide, but do not kill themselves.” The Poison Center continues to see an increase in calls related to ingestions with the intent of self-harm.

In the U.S, we are beginning to destigmatize mental illnesses and offer resources for people in crisis. We also have community support organizations for those who have had their lives touched by a completed suicide.

Save these numbers into your phone, give them to your loved ones and post them for others to see. We need everyone to spread the word that there is help available for everyone. You are not alone.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Phone, text (English only), and chat support available 24/7 or www.988lifeline.org

For Veterans (Veterans Crisis Line) – 988 (press 1) or text 838255

Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis 1-888-628-9454

Deaf + Hard of Hearing – For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

Crisis Text Line – Text support available 24/7 Text TALK to 741-741

Trevor Lifeline – Phone, chat, and text support for LGBTQ youth 1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7) Text START to 678-678 (available M-F 3-10pm Eastern/ 12-7pm Pacific)

Trans Lifeline – Phone support for transgender people, by transgender people available 10am-4am Eastern
1-877-565-8860

SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline – Peer support and resources for older LGBTQ adults available 24/7
877-360-LGBT (5428)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – go to www.afsp.org for more resources

If you or someone you know has ingested too much medication, the wrong medication, or need poison help, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 to speak to one of our nurse experts immediately.