As co-chair for the Congressional Spouses for Suicide Education and Prevention, I wanted to write to remind Alaskans that this is both national suicide prevention week as well as suicide prevention month at the National Military Family Association. Suicide claims the lives of over 39,000 individuals annually and is the 10th leading cause of premature death in our country. Many of those who die are suffering from treatable depression and other diseases. Alarmingly Alaska has one of the highest rates in the nation of suicides per capita. By raising awareness and working together we can change this.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has over 21 programs that promote suicide awareness as well as sponsoring the “Out of the Darkness” walks in over 300 communities annually, which raise funds to help end suicide. Both individuals and groups can participate in these programs or learn more about AFSP by going to the website afsp.org. There are Mental Health First Aid courses being taught all over Alaska, teaching signs of mental illness and erasing the stigma, asking for help is OK.
Should you are someone you know be in crisis help is available 24 hours a day from trained staff at AFSP by calling 800-273-8255 or texting 838255. Special help is available to veterans from veterans who have been trained as councilors and can be reached by pressing #1 after dialing the number above.
Trust your instincts and take action, you may save a loved one’s life.