We have learned that hot water often holds space for hard conversations.
Nearly every day, we lose 132 friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors here in the US due to suicide. In a year, it's roughly 48,000.
For those still settling into what life has in store ahead (ages 10–34), it's the second leading cause of death. For those of us who have navigated into careers, families, and even retirement (ages 35-54), it's the fourth.
10.3 percent of you reading this now have considered it. 54 percent of you have been directly impacted by someone you know taking action on it.
You men out there, sadly, are almost four times more likely to die by suicide. Women, however, are 1.4 times more likely to attempt it.
This past year, whether we know it or not, loved ones all around us have been dipping their toes into uncharted territory as they confront unprecedented mental health challenges related to a pandemic, economic uncertainty, social instability, isolation, and oh so much more.
Now, more than ever before, we must all elevate our ability to normalize the dialogue surrounding mental health and elevate the tools we have to prevent suicide in our communities.
Last year, we committed our time, energy, and resources to programming that can do just that.
So, as a first small step, we are excited to announce a new initiative that aims to certify as many of our community as possible in the QPR method of Suicide Prevention by offering free 1.5-hour certification training + soak sessions in our large pool.