Mental Health Spotlight - September

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, which is September 10th.

It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention to actions that can promote healing, help, and give hope.

BeThe1To:

Ask: People who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Be There: Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

Keep Them Safe: When lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently, overall suicide rates decline.

Help Them Stay Connected: Helping someone at risk creates a network of resources and individuals for support and safety, which can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Follow-Up: Brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact is an essential part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

Remember – if you know someone dealing with a mental health crisis, dial 988 and get them the help they need!

Upcoming mental health awareness events:

American Foundation for Suicide Awareness Out of the Darkness Walks (AFSP OOTDW):