[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 151 (Thursday, September 19, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7818-H7819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month.
  Depression and suicide ideation affect all ages, genders, and 
backgrounds, and thousands of Americans die each year. Suicide is the 
10th leading cause of death in the United States. There are an 
estimated 1.7 million attempts each year. In 2017, suicide rates in

[[Page H7819]]

Pennsylvania exceeded the national average.
  Mental health professionals, advocacy organizations, survivors, and 
allies take this month to combat the stigma of discussing mental health 
and connect those with suicidal thoughts to a network of professional 
resources.
  If you think a loved one is struggling with depression or ideation, 
just ask. People in need can often feel relieved when someone asks 
about their well-being in a caring way. Acknowledging and discussing 
their thoughts may be the first step in reducing risk.
  I encourage anyone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide to call 
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
  Madam Speaker, let's keep the conversation going year-round. We can 
all play an important role in prevention.

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