Research and education help people know
warning signs and what to do to help save
lives
CHICAGO, April 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Efforts are underway to reach
more people with suicide prevention information and interventions
across Illinois during Mental
Health Awareness Month in May. The Illinois chapter of the American Foundation
for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is hosting numerous free prevention
programs throughout the month.
Free Virtual Trainings in May:
May 1st – Talk Away the
Dark with #RealConvos, Lunch & Learn at 12:00 pm
May 4th - Finding Hope,
10 am
May 8th - It's Real: High
School (Week for Children's Mental Health Awareness), 6 pm
May 15th – Talk Saves
Lives Latinx, 6 pm
May 22nd – Let's Save
Lives, Lunch & Learn at 12:00
pm
May 29th – Talk Saves
Lives LGBTQ (Kickoff Pride Month), Lunch & Learn at
12:00 pm
To Register go
to https://afsp.org/chapter/illinois#events and
scroll to find the event(s) you wish to attend.
Unplugged with AFSPIL - The Battle at Home: Preventing
Suicide in Women Veterans
Tuesday, May 21st –
7 pm – 8 pm
CST.
Join us for a free virtual panel discussion to help support our
women veterans in their fight against the rise in female veteran
suicides. Our panel of experts will provide awareness, education,
and resources through this engaging conversation followed by
Q&A.
Register at: https://deipanel052124.attendease.com/
2024 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk Open
House
Thursday, May 30, 2024
-- 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Pompei
1531 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Illinois Chapter and the 2024 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland
Walk. Join us as we celebrate our walk sponsors and volunteers and
learn how you can bring AFSP programming to your community.
RSVP: chicagowalk.org/OpenHouse
"Suicide continues to this day to be a national health issue,"
said Phil Martinez, Board Chairman
of AFSP-IL. "Increases in the suicide rate cannot be attributed to
any single factor. Any number of factors, including mental and
physical health conditions, family mental illness or family history
of suicide, childhood trauma, abuse or neglect, and genetics, could
play a role. That makes public education, research and advocacy to
crucial in suicide prevention."
Latest data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) show suicide is a leading cause of death. In 2021, after
unintentional injury, suicide was the 3rd leading cause
of death for ages 10-24 and 25-34; and the 3rd leading
cause of death for ages 25-34 (after unintentional injury and
homocide). Almost 53% (52.9%) of all suicide deaths in the US are
by firearm. In Illinois, 45% of
all suicides were by firearms.
There is reason for hope: in a recent Harris Poll conducted by
AFSP, three of four people believe there are warning signs for
those at risk of suicide and the majority of adults in the U.S.
(78%) believe that training and education for professionals (first
responders, health care providers, community leaders, faith
leaders, the media, etc.) would be most helpful for reducing the
number of people who die by suicide.
In its advocacy efforts, AFSP can point to work with partnering
organizations that has resulted in unprecedented increases in
federal mental health funding–from $21
million in 2021 to $102
million in 2022, which included the creation of the new 988
number–a watershed moment in crisis mental health
response.
"Two years later, 988 continues to be a game changer in the
crisis mental health support response world," said Angela Cummings, executive director of AFSP-IL.
"Following our State Capitol Day in Springfield on April
16, it is our hope that funding for the full 988 continuum
of care will be available through the State of Illinois. This includes not only the
988 call centers, but also mobile crisis response units and
stabilization centers to keep people safe during a mental health
crisis."
Individuals can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning
signs and getting help when warranted.
- Learn the signs of someone who may be at risk for
suicide. Often there are changes in behavior such as mood
swings, angry outbursts, or loss of interest in activities they
love.
- Reach out to someone who you think may be
struggling. Trust your gut if you are concerned. Ask directly
if they have thoughts of ending their life – research shows this is
helpful and does not put the thought in their mind.
- Connect those who are struggling to help. Share the 988
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as well as general and other
resources for minority communities.
Help is available. In a recent Harris Poll conducted
by AFSP, more than half of adults in the U.S. (56%) believe not
knowing how to get help keeps people who are thinking about suicide
from seeking help, along with feelings of hopelessness (66%) and
embarrassment (59%). With more than half of respondents not knowing
HOW to get help, AFSP will continue educating on the resources Help
is available by calling or texting 988 to reach the National
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
AFSP and its Illinois chapter
are dedicated to improved research, education, and
advocacy. Through its statewide network of volunteers,
AFSP Illinois offers prevention education programs that
emphasize the importance of research-proven self-care techniques as
well as the value of engaging professional support.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide,
please call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Or
text TALK to 741741 or go to
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
About the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is
dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to individuals affected
by suicide. The organization creates a culture that is
smart regarding mental health through educational programs,
advocation for suicide prevention, and providing support for those
affected by suicide. All donations go towards these efforts with
the goal to greatly reduce the national suicide rate. For more:
https://afsp.org/chapter/illinois
Suicide Prevention Resources:
https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources
Suicide Warning Signs: afsp.org/signs
Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention:
https://afsp.org/reporting-on-suicide-prevention
PSAs: https://talkawaythedark.afsp.org
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SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention