Let’s Talk Suicide

September is Suicide Prevention Month and even though the month is coming to an end we should never stop talking about suicide.

#WhyCare? First, because suicide is a darkness that can reach anyone – it doesn’t discriminate. Suicide can affect us all regardless of our age, gender or background. Second, numbers don’t lie.

• Suicide is the 2^nd Leading Cause of Death Among People Ages 10-34 in the U.S.
• Suicide is the 10^th Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.
• The Overall Suicide Rate in the U.S. has Increased by 31% Since 2001
• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
  • 4.3% of all adults
  • 11.0% of young adults aged 18-25
  • 17.2% of high school students
  • 47.7% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students[1]

These stats should underscore one thing for everyone:
You Are Not Alone.

Every September, StarCare Specialty Health System (StarCare) participates in the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s #SuicidePrevention campaign to help #ReduceStigma around mental health. Any day, every day, it’s OK to talk about suicide.

“Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.”[2]

Taking the time to have a real conversation about mental health can literally make a life or death difference. Whether that means active listening, talking through it, or just being with someone, all are equally important. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “the easiest way to let people know you’re willing to talk about mental health is to be open about your own…think about your mental health the same way you think about your physical health and normalize it by talking about it directly.” If you’re unsure of how to reach out to a friend that’s struggling, take a look at these quick pointers for having a #RealConvo.

Checking in on those around you and listening nonjudgmentally helps to reduce mental health stigma and can save lives. The next level of mental health care and education is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – a course that teaches key skills to respond in a mental health emergency and to offer support to someone who appears to be in emotional distress. Just as CPR training helps a person with no clinical training assist an individual following a heart attack, MHFA training helps a person assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or a mental health crisis, such as contemplating suicide. For more information or to sign up for a course near you, visit USA Mental Health First Aid.

StarCare wants everyone to know that suicide can be prevented, and it is important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need. From mental health crisis services to a hospital, clinic and mental health first aid training, StarCare is here to help.



The mission of StarCare is to provide a diverse array of specialty healthcare services that support and empower people as valued members of the community. As a state-designated mental health and intellectual disabilities authority, StarCare has responsibility for the development, management and oversight of a system of care providers that serves more than 8,000 individuals within the five counties of Cochran, Crosby, Hockley, Lubbock and Lynn.