Raising Awareness and Educating Ourselves About Suicide

October 25, 2023

National Suicide Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of suicide for all people and to educate about warning signs. It is also a time to support those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. We can all play a role in preventing suicide in our community. Here are some things you can do:

Educate yourself about the warning signs of suicide.
Talk to your friends and family about suicide prevention.
Support bills that increase funding for mental health resources for all people.
Show up and be there for each other.

Opportunity for DPT and OTD Students

Let’s all continue to learn by engaging with the bulletin board in the DPT and OTD student lounge next week to learn more about suicide prevention, as well as strategies and resources for promoting mental health.

Key Resources

The Duke Center for the Study of Suicide Prevention & Intervention (CSSPI) partners with local, state, and national community organizations and foundations to spread awareness of resources and research on suicide prevention. Among CSSPI's resources are:

Crisis Text Line: Text message the word "Home" to 741-741. Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support via text messaging.
Mobile Crisis Services (Orange County in North Carolina): 1-877-967-8844. Mobile crisis services are offered through Freedom House Crisis Services.
Mobile Crisis Services (Wake and Durham Counties in North Carolina): 1-800-510-9132. Mobile crisis services are offered through Alliance Behavioral Health.
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Service Members and Veterans: 1-800-273-8255, press Option 1, or text 838-255
Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQI youth and young adults ages 25 and younger: 1-866-488-7386. Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support by phone.
Trevor Text for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults ages 25 and younger: Text the word "Trevor" to 1-202-304-1200. Provides free and confidential support via text messaging, from 3:00 - 10:00 pm Eastern time, Monday - Friday.

Caring for Individuals at Risk

Did you know that the LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately affected by suicide? According to the Trevor Project, a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, 42% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide. There are many reasons why LGBTQ+ youth are at an increased risk of suicide. These reasons include discrimination and prejudice, lack of acceptance from family and friends, feeling isolated and alone, and other mental health challenges.