September: A Month of Reflection and Action for Suicide Prevention
Trigger Warning: Discussing suicide and suicidal ideations
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of suicide and the importance of preventive measures. The inception of this month-long observance traces back to the early 2000s, with organizations and communities coming together to shed light on this pressing issue. Over the years, the momentum has grown, with more individuals and groups joining the cause, sharing resources, stories, and hope.
At Changing Tides, recently our attention has been drawn to the alarming rates of suicide and mental health challenges within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. Recent studies have shown that the AANHPI community has experienced a significant increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts, especially among young adults. According to a recent report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the AANHPI community has seen a 10% increase in suicide rates over the past decade. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues within this community. Young AANHPI women, in particular, have the highest rates of suicidal thoughts among all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. Additionally, Pacific Islanders have a suicide attempt rate that's nearly twice the national average.
In response to this crisis, Changing Tides launched our CT Anchor initiative.Through CT Anchor, we provide free, comprehensive, and practical suicide prevention training via the QPR Institute. This training empowers everyday people in our community to recognize signs of suicidal thoughts and guide those in distress towards professional help. Since CT Anchor launched at the beginning of 2023, we have provided QPR Gatekeeper training to 188 people and counting.
Alongside our year-round CT Anchor trainings, one of our most heartfelt suicide prevention efforts is our annual Ripple Effect: Walk for Suicide Prevention. Created collaboratively with AANHPI families that lost a loved one to suicide, this fundraiser creates a safe space to build awareness, share resources, and de-stigmatize mental health, while raising funds to sustain CT’s initiatives and programming. At Ripple Effect 2023, we not only remembered those we've lost to suicide, but celebrated the ripple effect of hope, kindness, and support in our community.
We believe in the power of awareness and education. By bringing these issues to the forefront, we hope to foster a more understanding and supportive environment for the AANHPI community.
Together, we can make a difference and change the tide on mental health challenges.
CT Anchor: Suicide Prevention Initiative
Ripple Effect: Walk for Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
The Crisis Text Hotline: Text “HELLO” to 741741
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
LA County Emotional Support Warmline (800) 854-7771