Why Early Recognition Matters

Suicide is often preventable. Most people who consider suicide exhibit signs before they act. Some of these signs are subtle while others are more obvious. Recognizing those signs and responding quickly can save a life. Asking the right questions, staying present, and connecting with someone who can help may be the most important thing you ever do.

⚠️ Trigger Warning
This post discusses suicide, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 in the United States to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please look up your local crisis line right now. You are not alone, and help is available.

For the next few weeks, I will be talking about suicide. While much has been done to remove the stigma around this topic, there is still more work to be. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that over 49,000 died by suicide and another 1.5 million attempted suicide in 2023.[1]

Last week was a tough one. More school shootings, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the murder of an Ukrainian immigrant, and the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks all weighed heavily. Thousands lost their lives that day in 2001, and countless more lives have been impacted since.

Here’s a News Flash!

I’ve been in a funk this week. There, I said it!

Yes, me—the person who’s always talking about self-esteem and positivity. The same person who usually comes across as cool, calm, and collected. The same person who truly understands what it means to battle one’s own mindset.