September is known for Labor Day weekend, the beginning of fall, and the first day of school. Each of these events is significant to September but it’s important to recognize that it’s also Suicide Prevention Awareness month. Although it is a year-round, pervasive issue, this month is dedicated to shedding light on what Americans are struggling with every day. Praescient wants to facilitate bringing awareness to this sensitive topic, and encourage everyone to reach out to your personal networks and professional resources that can help gain perspective and ultimately save lives. We believe this year it is particularly important for us to reach out to our communities and connect with colleagues, friends, and family who are undoubtedly feeling the same isolation and uncertainty that is common for everyone, as we struggle to tackle new realities, posed both during and after Covid-19. The significance of what support groups, life-lines, and social media platforms can do for people struggling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts is truly immeasurable – as is the impact of picking up your phone and dialing an old friend to simply check-in.
This month brings awareness to people all over the world, but it’s important to acknowledge the impact it has on our current Armed Forces and Veterans. According to the Veteran’s Association, nearly 17 veterans a day take their own lives, double the rate of civilian suicides. With the number of deaths rising each year, it is extremely important to share resources where Veterans and current Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen know they are not alone.
At Praescient Analytics, we are proud to be a veteran-led business that has been hiring veterans since September 2011. About 60% of our employees at Praescient are veterans and it’s a core component of what makes us who we are today. We support numerous Armed Forces organizations, but we also believe in the power of routine, common outreach. During quarantine, Praescient has had daily tag-ups; weekly Praescient Buzzfeeds that celebrate the hard work our team continues to provide under stressful times; fostered strong text chains with photos and gifs simply intended to share our common lives and uncommon bonds. We even hold The Praescient Games, our virtual competition where we compete against one another on trivia ranging from facts about historical events to who went to which college. Our point is simple: there is no right or wrong way to reach out, what matters is that we do. Please join us in raising awareness during Suicide Prevention Month and contact a loved one, we all need it during these times.
Here are just some resources available:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 support for people who need help during tough times. People can chat with responders online or call 1-800-273-8255.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 support system for Veterans who want to talk or seek help. The qualified responders are with the Department of Veterans Affairs and they are veterans too. People can chat with responders online, via text at 838255, or call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
You can even take a 100% confidential Self-Check Quiz and talk with a responder via a private Chat function where you are in complete control of decisions regarding resources or action.
Project Refit is a nonprofit organization support group that allows veterans and current armed forces to share their experiences. This gives people the opportunity to share their stories and find a community of people who can relate to what they’ve been through.
For additional resources or Military Specific Sites and Services click here: https://www.vetshelpingheroes.org/uncategorized/september-is-suicide-prevention-month/