Suicide Prevention Awareness
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: How You Can Help, Seek Support, and Get Involved
Every September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize mental health and take active steps to prevent suicide. With over 700,000 people dying by suicide every year globally, it’s essential to spread awareness, offer support, and educate ourselves and others about how we can make a difference. This month is not just about raising awareness; it's about taking action and saving lives.
Whether you are personally struggling, supporting someone else, or seeking to educate yourself, here are specific ways you can get involved, seek support, and access training to make a positive impact
If you or someone you know is in crisis, reaching out for help is the most important first step. Here are several options for immediate and ongoing support:
1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA)
Call or text 988 to reach trained counselors who can provide free, confidential support 24/7. This lifeline offers help for people in crisis, whether they are contemplating suicide or simply need someone to talk to.
Call or text 988 to reach trained counselors who can provide free, confidential support 24/7. This lifeline offers help for people in crisis, whether they are contemplating suicide or simply need someone to talk to.
2. Crisis Text Line (Available Worldwide)
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service is available for individuals who may find it easier to express their feelings through text messaging.
3. Local Mental Health Centers & Telehealth Services
Many local health departments offer free or low-cost mental health services. If in-person visits are difficult, telehealth services are increasingly available, offering virtual therapy sessions with licensed counselors
4. Peer Support Groups
Community-based and online peer support groups can provide valuable connections with others who have faced similar challenges. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) offer group meetings that provide understanding and empathy.
How You Can Help Someone Else
Supporting someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, but there are practical steps you can take:
1. Be Present and Listen
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is to simply listen. Encourage open conversations, validate their feelings, and avoid judgment. Ask direct questions like, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" to show that you’re ready to talk about their thoughts openly.
2. Encourage Professional Help
Gently guide your loved one to seek help from a professional, whether it’s a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Offer to help find resources or even accompany them to an appointment if they’re feeling hesitant.
3. Create a Safety Plan Together
Work together to create a safety plan that includes a list of trusted contacts, coping strategies, and emergency numbers. This can help the person feel more prepared and supported in difficult moments.
4. Stay Connected
Check in regularly. Simple actions like sending a text, inviting them to activities, or just being a consistent presence in their life can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Get Involved: Training & Resources
Raising awareness is only the first step in suicide prevention. Gaining knowledge and tools can empower you to take action when someone’s life is at risk. Consider the following training programs and resources:
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training
QPR is a nationally recognized program that teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, engage in conversations, and connect individuals to the help they need. The training only takes about an hour and is available online or in person.
2. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
MHFA is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges. It covers crisis situations like suicide and how to offer initial help while connecting individuals to professional support.
3. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop that equips individuals with skills to intervene and provide life-saving support. It’s ideal for people working in healthcare, education, or community-based settings.
4. Online Resources for Education
Many organizations provide free online courses, webinars, and materials that cover mental health topics, suicide prevention, and how to support loved ones. Websites like Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offer extensive resources that anyone can access.
Spread Awareness in Your Community
Advocacy and awareness efforts can start with small actions in your own community. Here are a few ways you can help promote suicide prevention:
Host Awareness Events
Organize local events such as talks, walks, or virtual panels to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. These events can foster community support and provide information about local mental health services.
Share Resources on Social Media
Use your social media platforms to share statistics, personal stories, and resource links. Be sure to include information about helplines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line.
Get Schools and Workplaces Involved
Work with local schools, colleges, and workplaces to host suicide prevention workshops, or distribute flyers and pamphlets about available support services. Creating awareness in these spaces can potentially save lives.
Volunteer or Donate
Consider volunteering with or donating to organizations dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention, such as the AFSP, NAMI, or local crisis centers. Your contribution can help sustain essential support services.
https://namigreaterhouston.org/
Links:
Links:
https://988lifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/
