January means renewed commitment to mental wellness

By MALLORY WIRE
Guest Columnist

January means many things to people: a fresh start, new opportunities, and a reason to make changes, just to name a few.

It is also Mental Wellness month. The first month of the year, dedicated to caring for our mental and emotional wellbeing while reducing the stigma around mental health, exemplifies the importance of the topic.

Mental wellness has not always been openly discussed. While discussions have increased in recent years to help reduce stigma, there is still work to be done. For example, youth suicide is often referred to as the “Silent Epidemic” due to the lack of awareness surrounding the issue. Youth suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 12 to 18. On average, 125 young people die by suicide each week. However, studies show that four out of five youth considering suicide exhibit verbal and/or behavioral warning signs. Therefore, 80 percent of youth suicides are preventable.

The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs. They provide free training videos for educators, parents, youth workers, and other community groups across the country. The courses cover a wide range of topics related to youth suicide. These videos, along with additional information and resources, are available on The Jason Foundation’s website at JasonFoundation.com.

Warning signs are crucial for preventing youth suicide. These include threats of suicide, increased irritability, sudden change in appetite, depression, making final arrangements, and more. A more detailed list of warning signs can be found on The Jason Foundation’s website.

There are multiple resources for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, is available 24/7 by call or text. For more information, to learn about national and local resources, order materials, find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office, or enroll in online training, visit JasonFoundation.com.

Start your new year prepared to help someone at risk of dying by suicide. Let’s work together to reduce the national suicide rate in 2025.

Mallory Wire is the Associate Division Director of The Jason Foundation.