‘Closer Look’ September Series: Advocates share personal stories for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Shanti Das, founder of the nonprofit Silence the Shame and author of the book “Silencing My Shame” and Dr. Camillia Harris, an Atlanta-area mental health advocate and founder of the justUs MH Foundation, were featured guests on “Closer Look with Rose Scott” for National Suicide Prevention Month. (LaShawn Hudson/WABE)

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month. Advocates contend it’s a month to not only remember those lost to suicide, but to offer hope to the millions of people who might be struggling with suicidal ideation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. In 2023, more than 49,000 deaths by suicide were reported. To put that into perspective, that’s one death by suicide every 11 minutes.

Monday marked 988 Day and the beginning of “Closer Look’s” monthlong series focusing on suicide awareness and prevention. Throughout the series, we will explore everything from signs and symptoms to combating stigma to accessing resources. We will hear personal stories, and show host Rose Scott will also talk with advocates and mental health experts.