September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It's a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. In this issue, we share the most common suicide warning signs along with prevention tips. In addition, mental health therapist and disability rights advocate, Max Guttman explains why social connections are very important to individuals with serious mental illness. Plus, our monthly book recommendation, inspirational quote, and our latest podcast - a fascinating look at the mental and physical challenges on nurses.

Remember, the more we talk about mental health, the better it is for everyone.

With passion, purpose and hope.

• C

No one wants to talk about suicide, yet it is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34. Despite society’s progress in talking more about mental illness, suicide still remains highly stigmatized.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 1.4 million adults attempt suicide each year. 

“Many factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions,” states the CDC. Other causes may include relationship problems, a crisis or trauma, and substance abuse.

Psychologists agree that the lack of access to mental health services along with the stigma attached to suicide prevents many people from receiving the help they need. Oftentimes, after a death by suicide, loved one’s, friends, and colleagues are left wondering how they could have missed the warning signs. 

Warning Signs of Suicide

The most common signs that a person may be contemplating suicide are:

• Withdrawing from friends, family and community

• Talking or writing about death or suicide

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness

• Exhibiting frequent mood changes

• Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out."

• Misusing alcohol or other drugs

• Participating in risky behaviors

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Giving away items of personal value
  
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Socialization is particularly important for the emotional well-being of people with serious mental illness (SMI). This is true for several reasons. When people maintain their connections with others, they are more likely to be tuned in to the world around them, given that social expectations require attention, commitment and concentration. For people with SMI, social interaction can stabilize mood, help them to feel grounded and connected to others and allow them to feel more engaged in their recovery process.

Isolation is one of the most gut-wrenching aspects of having a mental health condition: people need support, but they may simultaneously push away support because of their symptoms. While the specific benefits of socialization for each diagnosis are unclear, the unwavering need for people with mental health conditions to develop and cultivate meaningful, supportive and organic connections is as clear as day.

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High school seniors Nikhil Berry, a swimmer at Menlo School in Atherton, and Sydney Randolph, a volleyball player in San Diego, have used their experience as student athletes to create an organization to promote awareness of student athlete mental health struggles.

GOAT Mentality, named after the acronym for "greatest of all time," is a program to provide coping mechanisms and help for student athletes and those who support them. The two founded the program after the pandemic brought mental health issues to light, and took away the release of sports as a coping mechanism. Following the pandemic, Berry and Randolph said they saw a lack of assistance from high schools on the issue.

More information on GOAT Mentality can be found on goatmentality.org.

Do you ever feel like a prisoner to your thoughts? If you can’t seem to snuff out the flames of intrusive thoughts, there’s a book for that. Intrusive thoughts can sometimes feel like a gnat you can’t seem to keep away. At other times, they may feel like an avalanche that sends you into panic.

In “Hope and Help for Your Nerves,” Dr. Claire Weekes provides step-by-step guidance on how to understand and mitigate your symptoms of anxiety. She uses her own experience and scenarios from pioneering work in psychiatry to provide a clear-cut path to help readers find their own power.

Beyond The Mask: Nurses on The Frontline

In this episode, two nurses share their unforgettable experiences working during the AIDS/HIV epidemic and more recent involvement during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Click here to listen

Speaking Candidly with Candace is always seeking guests for our weekly podcast. Our goal is to change how people think about mental health problems through compelling stories and expert advice from mental health professionals.

Apply to be a guest on our show.

Benefits of Being a Guest

• Share your experience and knowledge with others while promoting your brand or business.
• Conquer your fear of public speaking
• Promote your book, blog, articles, workshop, etc.

Learn more about our mission.