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“We can all help prevent suicide.”

Every September individuals, communities, advocates, and organizations work to raise awareness and prevent suicide. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and World Suicide Prevention Day all take place during September.

This years’ mission — change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention.

Now, more than ever, people recognize the need to make suicide prevention a priority and are even ready to talk about their own mental health more openly. According to a 2020 national poll, the results

“underscore the importance of equipping all Americans with the tools and resources needed to feel empowered to have conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, and to take steps to care for their own mental health.”

What can you do to help?

As one of the leading causes of death, suicide affects everyone. And many of us struggle to know how we can help or feel like there is nothing we can do when someone we know is struggling.

But each of us can make a difference.

And there are so many resources and tools available to help.

With changes in the way we think and talk about mental health and suicide prevention, more and more people are sharing their experiences and reaching out. The pandemic and the toll it has taken on individuals has highlighted the need for resources and support. Especially for individuals who are most at risk.

This year, several advocacy groups and organizations have partnered to spread the message. Their goal is to raise awareness and help each of us learn how to find support or support someone who is struggling.

Resources

Asking for support if you are struggling is difficult. And supporting someone who is struggling can be just as hard.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Below is a list of resources for anyone thinking about suicide or struggling with mental health.