Suicide Awareness Day is on September 10, 2024, but it is celebrated worldwide for the month of September. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Suicide Prevention Month is recognized … as a time to raise awareness about suicide and share messages of hope.” 

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. During 2022, 1.6 million Americans attempt to commit suicide and of those 49,476 people were unfortunately successful in that attempt. Also in 2022, men were 3.85 times more likely to commit suicide than women. In that same year, firearms were used in 54% of all suicide deaths. Over 700,000 people worldwide take their own life each year – which is nearly one person every 40 seconds. 

Nationwide, there are many approaches to helping individuals struggling with mental health. The Biden-Harris administration announced $68 million awarded for suicide prevention to go towards national prevention efforts. Many people are struggling with all different kinds of mental health challenges. Which is why its important that we recognize these struggles earlier and help prevent suicide. By doing this we can give support and promote awareness, and in the end this can ultimately help save lives and give people hope.