Suicide Awareness Month

by KARA ALLEN, CSU Public Relations Assistant

RETURN to the inSIDER

During the course of 2020, our safety focus has inevitably been surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is crucial that we too recognize and educate ourselves about preventing suicide; the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the WHO, 800,000 people commit suicide each year. That equates to one person every 40 seconds. So what can we do to help?

The month of September is Suicide Awareness Month. Although this is the dedicated month for awareness, we should always be aware of our resources and attentive to the mental health of our loved ones. During this month, we can help the movement by educating ourselves about the signs of suicide and how to help someone when we see them struggling. We can start conversations about mental health and how we are doing. It could save a life. 

Minnesota State Mankato is ready and wanting to help you. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the counseling center at (507) 389-1455. Here you can find resources for counseling and the support you or someone you know needs. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number is (800) 273-8255. You are not alone. 

During this month and always, look for signs of suicide so we can help and prevent it. Reach out to these resources and get the support you need. You matter.

Warning Signs of Suicide:

  • Talking about feeling hopeless/purposeless
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing use of alcohol/drugs
  • Acting agitated, anxious and/or reckless
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Self-isolation 
  • Showing rage or seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Talking about wanting to die/kill oneself

RETURN to the inSIDER

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