September became the month to remember the ones we have lost to suicide back in 2008.  

The journey of creating Suicide Prevention Month began during the Great Recession in 2008 when about 11.6 out of 100,000 Americans committed suicide. Since then, suicides have spiked and have yet to drop below 11.6.  

Although these stats aren’t as high as they were during the Great Depression in 1932 with about 21.9 out of 100,000 Americans committing suicide, it doesn’t change the importance of the issue.  

As of 2022, roughly 14.6 out of 100,000 Americans committed suicide. This is the highest suicide rate since 1941 during WWII. In 2022, 39,255 males and 10,194 women took their own. 

Suicide rates should go down, so spotting when someone is showing signs of depression or mental health struggles is essential. Reaching out to the person struggling or a trusted adult around campus can save lives.  

Everyone should try and be able to spot someone who is depressed or contemplating suicide. 

Signs to pay attention to include: talking about death casually, researching ways to die, withdrawing from family and friends, avoiding activities and group get togethers, having odd mood swings both valid and unexplainable, not sleeping enough or having irregular sleeping patterns, abusing drugs and alcohol to ease their minds or taking chances that may put their lives at risk. 

There are some common living situations that, according to WebMD, may heighten someone’s risk of suicidal thoughts. These include mental illnesses, addiction to drugs and alcohol, physical illnesses, major losses, serious legal and financial issues and history of trauma and abuse.  

Wayne State College offers counseling for all students as well as free weekly meetings with a counselor located in the Student Health Office in the Kanter Student Center. If you or your friend don’t feel comfortable talking to a counselor, you can call the national suicide hotline at 988.