DELRAY BEACH, FL. – September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted by suicide.

Mental health experts with Delray Medical Center and Fair Oaks Pavilion, a 66-bed adult psychiatric unit on Delray’s campus, say it’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.

Such discussions regarding mental health are critical when it comes to recognizing and understanding the warning signs that someone might be considering suicide, says Jeffrey Lefton, Ph.D, LMHC, MCAP, Administrative Director of Fair Oaks.

“Suicide awareness is incredibly important because it is something we can all work together to prevent,” says Lefton. “Understanding the issues regarding suicide and mental health is an important step in helping ourselves, helping others, and positively reframing the conversation around mental health.”

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2022 alone, more than 49,000 Americans died by suicide with 1.6M suicide attempts that same year. Such figures make efforts to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month critical to keeping loved ones safe stresses Lefton.

While there is no one set of signs that someone might be considering hurting themselves, Lefton says that at-risk individuals often display certain characteristics or risk factors.

“Risk factors can include a current or historical mental health diagnosis, alcohol and/or substance use disorders, feelings of hopelessness, history of trauma or abuse, access to lethal means, lack of social support, stressful life events (such as divorce, bullying, financial crisis, or psychosocial loss), exposure to another person’s suicide, and perceived stigmas associated with mental health,” he explains.

According to Lefton, family, friends and the community can all play an important role in preventing suicide by simply being aware of those around us and caring for their well-being.

“It is important to pay attention to what people say, how they act, and how they feel. A person considering suicide might talk about killing themselves, being a burden to others, or feeling hopeless,” he says. “Their behaviors might also signal a risk, especially if it is related to a painful event, or loss. Warning signs can include isolation from family and friends, giving away prized possessions, new or increased aggression, and fatigue.”

 Above all, those who are considering suicide should not be ashamed to seek help.

“Whether you, or someone you know, might have mental health concerns or suicidal ideations, be open and don’t be afraid to speak to someone,” Lefton says. “We all have mental health just as we have physical health, and help is available.”

If you or someone you know is distressed or at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.