To spread awareness about suicide prevention, the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry is partnering with our colleagues in medicine to spread prevention awareness to different communities. To learn more about how to spread awareness or provide support to yourself or someone in need, we invite you to explore our resources, follow us on social media and attend our suicide prevention month events.
What is Suicide Prevention Month?
Suicide Prevention Month is a national awareness campaign that takes place in September. Throughout the month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. It is a time to share resources, remember those affected by suicide, raise awareness, shift perception and focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.
Weill Cornell Medicine Psychiatry hopes to ensure that our communities have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help. Throughout the month, Weill Cornell Medicine experts will share a breadth of resources regarding suicide prevention through guides, events, social media and more.
How can we discuss suicide prevention?
Talking about suicide prevention is crucial for raising awareness and offering support to those in need. When addressing this sensitive topic, it's essential to approach the conversation with empathy, compassion and a non-judgmental attitude. By fostering open dialogue and spreading awareness, we can contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and ultimately save lives.
In addition to practicing active listening and open communication, it is important to highlight available resources for support, such as crisis hotlines or mental health services. Most importantly, remember that seeking help and discussing suicide is a sign of strength.
If someone you know if considering suicide, follow these steps to discuss suicide with them in a constructive manner.
- Ask if they are considering suicide directly. Even if they say they are not, ask how they are feeling and what type of support they need.
- Listen carefully to what they say without judgement and acknowledge their feelings. People feel more hopeful when they are supported.
- Safety is key. Continue to check in on them and remove any lethal items that may be accessible. Follow up with them later.
- Connect them with the suicide prevention hotline by having them call or text 988. Stay with them and have them connect with other friends and family members. Ask them to check in with any therapists or psychiatrists that they may be seeing.
Learn about discussing suicide here.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
NYC Suicide Prevention Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741
NYC Well: Text “WELL” to 65173 or call 1-888-NYC-WELL