Since 2003, countries around the globe have marked September 10th as World Suicide Prevention Day. The day is intended to bring awareness to the ever-present issue of death by suicide. This issue affects both women and men. However, the suicide-related facts for women differ from those for men in important ways. For this reason, targeted women’s mental health treatment is often a crucial tool for effective prevention.
If you or someone you love is at risk for suicide, contact Women’s Recovery today by calling 833.754.0554. We specialize in the treatment of substance and mental health issues that may increase that risk. In this way, we meet our commitment to helping women regain health and well-being. At the same time, we honor our commitment to the goals of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Women’s Mental Health
Suicide consistently ranks as one of the most common causes of death in America. Women die from this cause much less often than men. However, compared to men, women:
- Think more often about committing suicide
- Make far more suicide attempts
- Have a higher rate of involvement in non-lethal suicidal behavior
- Many women who don’t die during a suicide attempt will try again. If this happens, the odds of dying increase substantially.
The Importance of Depression Treatment
Major depression is often a factor in suicide. In fact, about half of all people who die from suicide are affected by this illness. That’s true for both men and women. However, women receive a depression diagnosis twice as often as men. This means that depression may play a greater overall role in women’s suicide attempts. It also means that depression treatment for women is an urgent need.
The Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment
People affected by depression or any other mental illness have a roughly 50/50 chance of substance use disorder. The two conditions appear together so often that doctors have a name for this combination: dual diagnosis.
Effective mental health treatment is always challenging to one degree or another. Dual diagnosis increases that challenge even further. That’s true, in part, because people with this mixed condition have heightened risks for suicide. It’s also true because you need more than mental health treatment to recover. Dual diagnosis treatment must also address your drug or alcohol problems.
How Does World Suicide Prevention Day Help?
World Suicide Prevention Day has two sponsors. The International Association for Suicide Prevention plays a central role. The World Health Organization (WHO) also provides important assistance.
The day reaches a wide audience. As of 2021, more than 60 countries take part in its events. Within a given country, those events may include such things as:
- Conferences
- Media campaigns
- Press briefings
- Commemorative events
- Educational events
All in all, tens of millions of people worldwide are exposed to messages promoting suicide prevention.
The impact of such widespread exposure is not just symbolic. According to the WHO, it has a real-world effect. That effect includes an increased understanding of the need to take suicide seriously as a public health issue. It also includes a reduction in the stigma surrounding treatment for mental illness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Recognize World Suicide Prevention Day at Women’s Recovery
Contact the specialists at Women’s Recovery today for more information on suicide prevention. We’ll explain the factors that can increase your suicide risks. In addition, we’ll explain the steps you can take to minimize those risks.
Women’s Recovery also provides expert care for dual diagnosis. Whether you’re affected by depression, an anxiety disorder, or any other mental health issue, we can help. All of our dual diagnosis plans are fully integrated and address your drug or alcohol addiction symptoms. For more information, you can call us at 833.754.0554 or fill out our online form.
