Sept. 9 through 14 is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week.
Suicide is a major public health concern that claims approximately 1 million lives worldwide each year, resulting in one suicide every 40 seconds. The number of suicides has also been found to increase significantly after media coverage of the suicides of entertainers or celebrities.
Suicide and suicidal behavior affects individuals of all ages, genders, races and religions. Mental illness, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, hopelessness, access to lethal means, recent loss of loved ones, unemployment and vulnerability to self-harm are just a few examples of risk factors.
High self-esteem, religious beliefs, social connectedness, effective problem-solving skills and supportive family and friends are strong buffers to suicidal behaviors.
Vanderbilt employees who have suicidal thoughts can get help by contacting Work/Life Connections-EAP at (615) 936-1327. If it is after regular business hours, Work/Life Connections-EAP also has counselors on call for emergencies.
If someone expresses a plan and/or intent to commit suicide, call 9-1-1 or take them to the nearest emergency room. It is not your job to determine if the person will commit suicide or not. Getting the person to the appropriate mental health and medical professionals who can assess and prevent suicide is the most helpful action you can take.
Learn more about National Suicide Prevention Week.
Contact: Work/Life Connections-EAP, (615) 936-1327