September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.  Hmmmm.  Doesn't exactly call for a celebration, does it?  It might, I think, if it gave us all occasion to consider:  Suicide is the leading cause of death worldwide.  Worldwide, one million people die by suicide every year--about one every two minutes.  That's staggering to me.  Many millions more make suicide attempts every year, and millions more are left behind by suicide.  We cannot begin to count the costs.  But think about how little most of us know about suicide.  What causes it?  Warning signs? What makes a person at risk?  How would you know if someone was thinking about suicide?  If someone were, what can be done about it? 

Here's the thing:  Suicide is Preventable.  And the other thing? It's time to talk about it.

Okay, so what do I want from you?  One of the most important keys to preventing suicide is education.  Find out.  Ask your faith community, school, employer, or social group to host a speaker on suicide awareness.  Check out training opportunities, like ASIST or SafeTalk and sign up.  Volunteer somewhere, anywhere--helping others through tough times can prevent a suicide down the road.  Call someone you know who has lost someone to suicide and tell them you're thinking of them--no matter how long it's been.  Write down these phone numbers:  314-647-HELP or 800-273 TALK and give them to someone you now who is struggling.  You could save a life.