Introduction

Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month

According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), “One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.”
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reports that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. In 2019, there were 47,511 that died by suicide with a total of 1.38 million suicide attempts. The AFSP also reports that on average there are 130 suicides per day.
The reality of the situation is that suicide is a very real problem. The good news is that it’s highly preventable too. This September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th is International Suicide Prevention Day. In recognition of this important topic, the Santa Fe College Counseling Center staff encourage all students, faculty, and staff to become educated on this topic and on ways to make a difference. Both AFSP and IASP offer information, resources, and ways to get involved to help spread the word about this important topic.
As part of its mission to foster the personal, emotional and academic well-being of students and to help them reach their full potential, the staff at the SF Counseling Center are offering a number of QPR Suicide Prevention trainings during September. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training is designed to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training to faculty, staff, and students. QPR provides the knowledge to recognize warning signs so that you can help save a life. All students, staff, and faculty are invited to contact the Counseling Center at 352-395-5508 to sign up for one of the Zoom trainings on the dates below. If you would like to schedule a QPR training for your club, student organization, department, or staff, please contact steven.vutsinas@sfcollege.edu.

  • 11-12 on Tuesday 9/14/21
  • 11-12 on Thursday 9/16/21
  • 1-2 on Monday 9/20/21
  • 11:30-12:30 on Wednesday 9/29/21

World Suicide Prevention Day and Suicide Prevention Month are an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote actions that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally. Please don’t hesitate to get involved, make a difference, and save a life.
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please use and share the resources below.
Resources