"
The Current Approach to Suicide Prevention is Failing
Despite investing millions in suicide prevention each year, the tragic reality is that suicide rates continue to rise. Our traditional methods—hotlines, counseling, and awareness campaigns—are no longer enough. It's time for a radical shift in how we approach this crisis.
We Must Acknowledge the Truth:
- Current strategies are reactive, not proactive.
- We’re not addressing the root causes like mental health, social isolation, and economic despair.
A Call for Innovation:
- Develop evidence-based, community-driven solutions.
- Leverage technology for early detection and personalized support.
- Shift from crisis management to suicide inoculation—preventing crises before they happen. "
We invest millions of dollars annually into suicide prevention and intervention programs (SAMHSA, 2023). Yet, despite this massive expenditure, the number of lives lost to suicide continues to rise (CDC, 2024), and many individuals still suffer in silence. It's time to face an uncomfortable truth: our current strategies are fundamentally flawed. The rel…
Subscribe to Shepherds & Sheepdogs to continue reading
Visit the author’s Substack to subscribe and read more.