Stay Involved in Suicide Prevention Efforts
By Anna Rowe, Stamp Out Stigma Team
Although National Suicide Prevention Month is coming to an end, we must continue to reflect and emphasize the necessity of support for those who have been affected by suicide. Americans overwhelmingly believe that suicide can be prevented, and 94% would take action to help someone close to them who was thinking about suicide. National Suicide Prevention Month heightens awareness of suicide prevention during the month of September, but we can each continue these efforts when September is over. Actively participating in ways to support and educate on mental health is vital in creating a community that is supportive and open.
Engagement in mental health initiatives plays a key role in reducing stigma and fostering a more open and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. Additionally, involvement empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and others, driving positive change within themselves and their communities.
78% of people are interested in learning how they might be able to play a role in helping someone who may be suicidal, but they voiced that they need more information and guidance on how to help. If you are eager to stay involved in the advocacy of mental health, feel free to participate in some of the activities listed below:
Get Involved
- Take the pledge. Join over 10,000 people and pledge to advocate for a more supportive world and end the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Educate yourself. Resources are essential in gaining knowledge about mental health. From toolkits to guides to personal stories, there is an abundance of ways to help raise awareness and reduce stigma. If you would like to learn more, you can read Stamp Out Stigma’s Person-Centered Language Guide or the Suicide Prevention Toolkit.
- Join the conversation. Follow Stamp Out Stigma on Twitter/X and Facebook to stay informed and participate in important discussions surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.
- Talk about it. Stamp Out Stigma features personal stories that allow people from all walks of life to share their own experiences with mental health challenges and substance use disorders. You can read their empowering stories of healing and resiliency here, and if you have a story of your own you’d like to share, you can submit it here.
- Stamp Out Stigma will also be launching a new Resources page that will include more ways you can stay involved, so stay tuned!
The recognition and awareness of mental illnesses and substance use disorders continue far past the month of September. Together, we can commit to creating a community where recovery is celebrated, stigma is reduced, and there is proof of triumph over challenges.
