September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and this week, from September 5th through the 11th, is National Suicide Prevention Week. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has put together a lot of resources, walks, social media outlets, and even “Out of the Darkness Radio by Audacy” to help bring the topic out of the darkness and into the light, save lives and bring hope.
From the AFSP website:
People have become increasingly comfortable talking about their mental health, particularly this past year. But the topic of suicide – when it comes up – is still scary for many people to think about.
It’s time to deepen the conversation.
Some are afraid that by asking someone if they’re having thoughts of suicide, it will put the idea in their head, or push them to take their lives. (Which research shows is not true.) Some are worried that they won’t know what to do, or how to help, if the person tells them, “Yes – I am thinking about suicide.”
It’s only by learning more about what leads someone to suicide, the ways we can help to prevent it, and what resources are available – and not being afraid to ask when we’re worried about someone, or for help when we need it ourselves – that we can empower our communities to address this leading cause of death.
We all have mental health. It’s time we take the next step, ask more deeply about what someone is experiencing, and if we need it, find help together.
Together, we can help #StopSuicide.
On Friday, September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day, the AFSP is putting together a special All-Day Facebook Live event from 12-8pm, featuring a #RealConvo Concert, Ask Dr. Jill, and panel conversations on mental health and suicide prevention.
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