National Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month, observed annually in September, is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, offering resources to those in need, and reducing the stigma around mental health issues. The month is marked by organizations, communities, and individuals coming together to promote understanding, provide support, and share tools for prevention.

Here are some key aspects of Suicide Prevention Month:

1. Awareness Campaigns

Organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the World Health Organization (WHO) lead efforts to increase public knowledge about suicide and mental health. These campaigns include sharing facts, statistics, and personal stories to emphasize the importance of mental health care.

2. Public Education

• Warning Signs: Recognizing the early warning signs of suicide, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal, mood swings, or expressing feelings of hopelessness.

• Risk Factors: Addressing factors such as mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and access to lethal means.

• Resources: Informing the public about crisis intervention resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.

3. Community Involvement

Events like walks, candlelight vigils, mental health fairs, and online webinars bring communities together to promote conversation around mental health and encourage peer support. These events help destigmatize suicide and make it easier for individuals to seek help.

4. Advocacy

Advocacy efforts focus on improving mental health services, increasing access to care, and ensuring legislative support for mental health initiatives. Advocates also work to highlight the importance of reducing stigma, which can prevent people from seeking help.

5. Support for Survivors

Suicide Prevention Month also highlights the needs of survivors—both those who have attempted suicide and those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Support groups, counseling services, and memorial activities provide a safe space for healing and reflection.

6. Global Perspective

World Suicide Prevention Day is held on September 10th as part of the month’s efforts. The day is coordinated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and is supported by the WHO. It serves as a global platform to focus attention on suicide prevention worldwide.

The goal of Suicide Prevention Month is to foster open dialogue, support those who are struggling, and equip the public with the tools to intervene and offer help when needed.

Please know that asking for help is a sign of strength — not weakness. If you’re in a crisis, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re looking for professional help or looking for specific support, we encourage you to click here for the National Institute of Mental Health’s suicide prevention guide for additional information and resources. You can also text HOME to 741741 to instantly connect with a trained crisis counselor, 24/7, for free.

Photo by Akhil Nath / Unsplash