September 10 – 16 of 2017 is National Suicide Prevention Week giving us an opportunity to break the silence about this topic and start conversation about suicide prevention and mental health.
Every year nearly 45,000 Americans die by suicide. Out of every suicide, 25 people attempt, meaning that roughly 1.1 million Americans alone have at least attempted suicide. Behind these statistics are the individual stories of those who have, for many different reasons, questioned the value of their own lives.
At Catharsis Productions, we know that survivors of sexual violence often suffer from PTSD and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts of it. And even though there is no single cause to suicide, a suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person’s life. No matter the race or age of the person; how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who die by suicide have a mental or emotional disorder.
Each one of these individuals is part of a community. Some may be well linked in to this community, and have a network of family, friends and work colleagues or school mates. Others may be less well connected, and some may be quite isolated. Regardless of the circumstances, communities have an important role to play in supporting those who are vulnerable.
If you or anyone you know is in danger call the 24/7 Crisis Hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network:
https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-800-273-TALK (8255) (Veterans, press 1)
More Crisis Services
Crisis Text Line
Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
Veterans Crisis Line
Send a text to 828255
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
Other Suicide Prevention Resources
American Association of Suicidology
Didi Hirsch Manual for Support Groups for Suicide Attempt Survivors
The Dougy Center – The National Center for Grieving Children and Families
How to Talk to a Child about a Suicide Attempt in Your Family (Rocky Mountain MIRECC)
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBTQ People (PFLAG)
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Catharsis Productions
Catharsis Productions' mission is to change the world by producing innovative, accessible and research-supported programming that challenges oppressive attitudes and shifts behavior.