Honoring National Suicide Prevention Month: A Time of Community, Love, Care, and Mourning
With one in five adults affected by mental illness at some point in their lifetime, it's more important than ever for our community to come together.
Introduction
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remember and mourn those lost to suicide and raise awareness for mental health, while encouraging prevention to reduce further loss.
This month let's come together as a united front; taking pauses throughout the month to remember the lives that we have lost, but also look ahead with educated decisions on how to better support mental health advocacy.
Creating a Safe Environment for Those Struggling
When creating a safe environment for those struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, the first step is to recognize that these people are dealing with serious issues that require more than just understanding, empathy, or an "everything will be alright" attitude.
It's vital to offer a non-judgmental ear and a safe space to express their feelings without fear of being ostracized. Creating a supportive community that encompasses family, friends, and mental health professionals can provide a supportive network for those who are struggling.
“Creating a supportive community that encompasses family, friends, and mental health professionals can provide a supportive network for those who are struggling.”
Such a network can also help them seek the help they need. By setting up an environment of support, safety, and understanding, you can make a significant impact on the well-being of those suffering from these challenges.
Love and Support Those Affected
(Source: Squarespace)
Losing someone to suicide is an incredibly difficult experience that no one should have to go through alone.
It's important to show love and support to those who are affected by such a tragic event, whether that be the family and friends of the person who was lost or the individual themselves who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Simply reaching out to check in, offering to lend an ear and shoulder, or sending a kind message can make all the difference. Let those who are grieving know that they are not alone and that their loved one will always be remembered.
And don't forget: You can dial "988" in the U.S. to speak with a representative from the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Take Care of Yourself; Practice Self-Care
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty life brings, it's more important than ever to prioritize self-care and self-love
While it may seem counterintuitive to focus on ourselves during a time of crisis, taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional needs is crucial for our overall well-being, and our ability to aid and support others.
However self-care looks for you, it's important to carve out time each day for you!
Our Commitment to Suicide Prevention & Mental Wellbeing
Resources for veterans in crisis. (Source: Soldiers’ Angels)
Back in March, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we partnered with the national nonprofit Stack Up. Stack Up supports U.S. and Allied veterans by promoting positive mental health and combating veteran suicide through gaming and geek culture. You can learn more about Stack Up, our partnership, and support their mission by reading that feature post here.
We also worked with our clients at Soldiers' Angels in March to create a series of graphics that highlight the services and care the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers to those in crisis.
Read their comprehensive list of mental health resources for veterans here.
Call to Action
You can further the goal of ending suicide in America in many ways.
You can support your family, friends, and anyone else by being a caring ear and offering your time and empathy to those struggling. You can donate to nonprofits like Stack Up that work 24/7/365 aiding those struggling. You can always dial "988" from your phone to speak with a trained professional in suicide prevention and crisis.
We have a challenge for you this month: Find one thing you can do each day to help others. A small random act of kindness, a donation, or reach out to a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while and let them know you are there for them.
You never know how large of an impact your small actions could have on someone who is struggling.
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