Suicide Prevention Month Recap

Washington State

Topic of the Month

We’re rebooting the Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program Unit newsletter! Lizzie Cayden, Suicide Prevention Program Unit Supervisor, and Allison Browne, Agricultural Suicide Prevention Specialist, have joined the suicide prevention team at DOH this year. Look for these newsletters coming out routinely – we welcome any input or stories you’d like to share. We’ll also be periodically highlighting the work of various partnering organizations and agencies.

September was recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month throughout the state of Washington, with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. As we move into the fall and winter, it’s important to remember that everyone has a role in preventing suicide. Daily diligence and dedication to understanding this issue includes recognizing the risk factors and warning signs, as well as knowing what actions to take. It’s critical to have open and honest conversations with those you know and care about around suicide and mental health, which can also help to reduce stigma. This can and does save lives.

Suicide Prevention Month was especially important this year as many people are experiencing higher levels of stress, as well as depression and anxiety because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, some populations, including Native American and Alaska Natives, and Veterans, may be at higher risk for suicide. DOH partnered with several organizations to promote Suicide Prevention Month, including Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Care Authority, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Governor’s Office. During September, our partners shared suicide prevention resources, including Forefront’s LEARN tips, via social media.

We all have a role in suicide prevention; education today about suicide prevention today could save a life tomorrow. Additional training opportunities and resources have been included below.

A suicide prevention message from our colleague at the Department of Health

Written by James Chaney, September 30, 2020

With National Suicide Prevention Month coming to a close, we are reminded that suicide prevention is a year-round effort.

Suicide is a serious public health concern across the nation, particularly in Washington where rates are higher than the national average. Suicide affects every demographic population: rich and poor, men and women, youths and the elderly, and the list goes on. The impact of suicide even affects people of differing faiths, ideologies, and professions – including those within public service. As Secretary Wiesman emphasized earlier this month, every one of us has a role in suicide prevention. All of us.

Yet, as state employees we understand that our connections with Washingtonians, other agencies, key partners, and each other are important components of public service. We strive to include and work within our state's communities and populations, side-by-side, every day. This connection to public health, and to each other, is critical in preventing suicide. And it's times like right now when our commitment to creating individual connections and developing a sense of unity among Washingtonians has real, meaningful potential to prevent suicide.

Unquestionably, 2020 has proven itself to be a challenging year. However, resiliency in our professional and private lives and how we support each other, especially in these difficult times, is important to those we serve, work with, and call family and friends. Often, we don't know the challenges peers, supervisors, partners, etc. face on a day-to-day basis. However, if we can support each other and demonstrate the best in public service, even while working from home and being socially distant, we have the power to shine a light of hope and community.

Each one of us can learn to recognize when someone may be at risk for suicide, and how to get them help. #BeThe1To look for the signs of a person in crisis, empathize and listen, ask them directly about suicide, remove the dangers, and help connect the person to crisis resources. Everyone has a role in suicide prevention every day of the year.

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, or someone you know is in crisis, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or chat online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For support via text on the Crisis Text Line, start a conversation by texting "HEAL" to 741741. 

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