National Suicide Awareness Month 2022

As the summer winds down, the Brian Dagle Foundation is preparing for National Suicide Awareness Month beginning September 1st. 

This is the month that I stand a little taller, speak a little louder, and be the voice for the more than 46,000 people we lose to suicide each year.

The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicides.

This is the month I share, I educate, I advocate, and do whatever I need to be heard. Eleven years ago, I didn’t know depression could be fatal. I didn’t know the warning signs of suicide or who was at risk for taking their life. I often share if I did know, maybe my life would be on a much different path. I do this for my son, Brian. I do this so we can prevent other families from experiencing that tragedy our family experienced.

Each year the Brian Dagle Foundation partners with the Connecticut Chapter for Suicide Prevention for the Southeastern Connecticut Out of the Darkness Walk at McCook’s Beach in Niantic. This year it’s on September 24th at 10am. On this day we are joined by fellow survivors of loss, people who’ve attempted, family members walking in honor of their person, others walking because they struggle with mental health, and many are there to support the cause. It’s a day of healing and hope for everyone participating in the walk.

We are grateful for the support of our community: the schools, the town and state leaders, businesses, and people. You have helped elevate our voice, share our mission, and understand the need talk about and take action on suicide awareness and prevention. I’ve seen a shift happen since I started sharing this message. People are now ready and willing to have to conversation.

But it’s just the beginning. This month we invite you to share in the conversation, educate yourself, and make a difference.