By Diane Kushnir Halivni

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and an opportunity to expand our understanding of suicide risks. We can commit ourselves and our loved ones to a New Year of empathy, kindness and practical support that can help in a time of crisis.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out for help

• Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
• Chat online at 988lifeline.org.

Reflect on your first encounter with the term “suicide.” Was it a whispered secret or a distant, mysterious topic? Was it someone you knew? Was it someone close to you? If this recollection was a long time ago for you, as it was for me, the topic shrouded itself in mystery. In the past, suicide was largely something adults discussed privately. There was little opportunity to understand the circumstances, get clarity on the risks, and learn about preventative steps. Today, more people are openly discussing suicide and its prevention, but sadly, often only in the aftermath of a crisis.

Suicide has no single cause. Sometimes, there is a known mental health condition or brain disease, like mood or eating disorders, but not always. Other factors may include chronic pain, financial stress, prolonged grief, history of abuse or trauma (including concussions), addiction, and marginalized identities. Suicide risk might increase because of side effects of certain medications (Akathisia).

For those grieving a suicide, our deepest condolences. Nearly 6 million adults will experience such a loss this year. Support is available through online communities and resources like the brochure “You Are Not Alone” developed by JCFS Chicago, MISSD and No Shame On U, which offers guidance on dealing with the intense emotions and confusion following a suicide..

Loyola University Associate Professor of Social Work Jonathan Singer, President of the American Association of Suicidology helps us understand some facts:

1. Talking about suicide does not cause someone to become suicidal; in fact, the opposite is true; it reduces the stigma and decreases the distress.
2. Screening for suicide risk is the essential component for suicide prevention, especially in schools. We cannot tell from just looking at a person if someone is suicidal.
3. A suicide crisis is like being swept up in a tornado. We wouldn’t blame someone for getting swept up in a tornado.
4. Reducing the stigma is only half the battle. The other component is letting people know they are not alone, and that help is available.

How can we respond to these realities?

• Save 988 and 988lifeline.org in your contacts. We hope you will never need it, and if you do, then you’ll have it.
• Call two friends every week, especially those you have not talked to in a while. Don’t solve any problems. Just listen with kindness, compassion and empathy.
• Tell a friend or family member if you are struggling with any of these signs, and prioritize your own wellness. Ask for help to consult a doctor.
• Do not go off or on medications without the consultation of your mental health professional. Understand Akathisia to make more informed decisions about pharmacological paths to support.
• Explore more faith based competencies because our clergy and our Jewish communal leaders also need our support, just as we need theirs. The same goes for medical personnel and first responders.
• Use the JCFS Mental Health Shabbat Resource Guide to develop a Shabbat program.
• Consult the No Shame on U website for ready to print handouts and fact sheets.
• If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

We hope this year will bring more open conversations about suicide risk in the Jewish community and encourage more leaders to bring mental health education and suicide prevention training to schools, camps, offices and synagogues. Knowledge saves lives. JCFS Chicago invites you to adopt the Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s mantra: Suicide is Everyone’s Business. 

For more information about mental health resources and suicide prevention training, contact Bracha Jakofsky.