Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
By: Jennifer Ryan
Tags: Suicide Prevention, Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness, Resources, Suicide Awareness

#SPM21 #BeThere #BeThe1To

“We can all help prevent suicide.”

Every September individuals, communities, advocates, and organizations work to raise awareness and prevent suicide. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and World Suicide Prevention Day all take place during September.

This years’ mission — change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention.

Now, more than ever, people recognize the need to make suicide prevention a priority and are even ready to talk about their own mental health more openly. According to a 2020 national poll, the results

“underscore the importance of equipping all Americans with the tools and resources needed to feel empowered to have conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, and to take steps to care for their own mental health.”

What can you do to help?

As one of the leading causes of death, suicide affects everyone. And many of us struggle to know how we can help or feel like there is nothing we can do when someone we know is struggling.

But each of us can make a difference.

And there are so many resources and tools available to help.

With changes in the way we think and talk about mental health and suicide prevention, more and more people are sharing their experiences and reaching out. The pandemic and the toll it has taken on individuals has highlighted the need for resources and support. Especially for individuals who are most at risk.

This year, several advocacy groups and organizations have partnered to spread the message. Their goal is to raise awareness and help each of us learn how to find support or support someone who is struggling.

Resources

Asking for support if you are struggling is difficult. And supporting someone who is struggling can be just as hard.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Below is a list of resources for anyone thinking about suicide or struggling with mental health.

Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1–800–273-TALK (8255)

Lifeline for Attempt Survivors

Lifeline for Loss Survivors

Lifeline for Disaster Survivors

National Alliance on Mental Health

Stories of Hope and Recovery: A Video Guide for Suicide Attempt Survivors | SAMHSA

Suicide Safe Mobile App | SAMHSA

Lifeline for LGBTQ+

The Trevor Project or Call 1–866–488–7386 or online instant messaging

SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline or Call 1–877–360-LGBT (5428)

Trans Lifeline or call 1–877–565–8860 (US) 1–877–330–6366 (Canada)

Suicide Prevention and Care, Indian Health Service

We R Native

Lifeline for Native Americans

Careline

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium​​

Resources for Veterans

Lifeline for Veterans

Veteran Crisis Line Call 1–800–273–8255 and Press 1

VA Mental Health Suicide Prevention

Resources for Youth

Lifeline for Youth

The Jason Foundation

#chatsafe: A Young Person’s Guide for Communicating Safely Online About Suicide (PDF | 6.7 MB)​

Resources for Supporting Others

Seize the Awkward

Help a Friend in Need: A Facebook and Instagram Guide (PDF | 524 KB)

https://www.wernative.org/articles/when-your-friend-is-talking-about-suicide

#BeThe1To

#BeThere for a Veteran