September is Suicide Prevention month. Suicide continues to be among the leading causes of death in the U.S. This public health challenge affects various population groups ranging from youth to White men and Native Americans to Veterans. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 94% of adults believe that suicide can be prevented. When considering this and protective factors such as social support, relationships are an area to further explore. A question is “how can we be more intentional to support meaningful social connectedness?” Social connectedness is recognized among the pillars of lifestyle health. Being connected well has been researched through the quality of interactions, belonginess and longevity. Social connection was recently discussed in relation to near-term suicidal ideation (Ammerman & Jacobucci, 2023). Preliminary evidence suggested the need to assess for current social contact in conjunction with the risk for suicidal ideations. This could facilitate timely interventions.
Resources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide statistics | AFSP
Embodying Social Connectedness – VA Tosha Ellis
Live Whole Health #117: Social connection - VA News
The Impact of Social Connection on Near-Term Suicidal Ideation
The impact of social connection on near-term suicidal ideation – Clinical Key
U.S. Surgeon General Social Connection Priorities
Social Connection — Current Priorities of the U.S. Surgeon General (hhs.gov)
VA Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention - Mental Health (va.gov)