According to statistics from American Foundation for Suicide prevention (AFSP) approximately 44,965 people died from suicide in 2016. That stastistic is over 2 years old, and with high profile sucidies from Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade recently, sucide is put back into the spotlight. Recently, we hear about children being bullied, and taking their own lives, or a murder suicide in the news. Sucides rates have rose to around 30% according to the CDC. These numbers are sobering, and should be a call to action for everyone. The call to action has begin with some officials trying to passing legislation to have the number 511 routed to a sucide hotline, because it is difficult for people in a crisis to remember a national hotline number.
There is a quote that says something like ” Be kind to everyone, for everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about. ” We must practice social awareness, be responsible, and choose our words carefully. The times of trolling, DMing, and tweeting harmful statements must be taken into consideration. Remember, that is a human being behind the screen.
You Can Help
- Reach out to your neighbors, friends, family, and be kind to strangers.
- Be socially responsible, teach others, that words on social media have an effect on someone. It is never okay to tell someone the world will be better off without them.
- Again, be kind to everyone, no matter their title
- Do everything in love.
- Mentor
- Volunteer at a hotline center
If you or someone you know is considering suicide please get help!
1-800-273-8255
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