September is Suicide Prevention Month and #SuicidePreventionWeek is September 8th-13th, a time in which individuals, organizations and communities around the country join their voices to broadcast the message that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. Here are some actions you can take during Suicide Prevention Month and beyond to #StartTheConversation at home, at school, and in your community!
Educate yourself and others about suicide warning signs and how to help.
Pain isn’t always obvious. Reach out to someone you are concerned about if you observe one or more of these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change:
- Talking about or making plans for suicide
- Displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress
- Expressing hopelessness about the future
- Putting affairs in order and/or giving away possessions
- Showing worrisome cues or changes in behavior, such as:
- Withdraw from or change in social connections or situations
- Changes in sleep
- Anger or hostility that seems out of character or context
- Recently increase agitation or irritability
If you are concerned about someone, trust your instincts and ask: Are you thinking about suicide?”. And remember that you are not alone in helping someone find their reasons for living. Call or text 988 to reach the Access & Crisis Lifeline (24/7) for yourself or to find support in helping someone else.
Find Hope in Yourself and in Community
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, sometimes you have to take things moment by moment. Whether it’s connecting with others, breathing, journaling, or reminding yourself of how far you’ve come, there are many small steps you can take. To learn more, visit Now Matters Now, a great resource that uses evidence-based practices to support people in crisis. Learn more at NowMattersNow.org
- The 60-second film “Right Now” was created by youth for the Directing Change Film Contest to show how someone can manage thoughts of suicide in the moment.
- Engaging in cultural and community traditions can help give us a sense of belonging and support. In the youth-created 60-second film “Rewrite Your History” a young person explores their struggle to feel connected to their Native heritage.
Youth Council Member Katelyn G. created an animated graphic that can be downloaded as part of the Youth Suicide Prevention Month Activities Toolkit from Youth Creating Change. Download it here: www.YouthCreatingChange.org/events
On September 10th, Light a Candle to Symbolize Hope. On World Suicide Prevention Day, light a candle near a window (or on social media) to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a loved one, and for survivors of suicide loss.
People who have lost someone to suicide often do not receive the same compassion from others that those who have lost a loved one another way experience. Some of this is because people are uncomfortable talking about suicide. Consider reaching out to someone who has lost a friend or loved one to suicide. Ask them about how the person they lost lived rather than focusing on the way they died. The more we talk about suicide and suicide prevention, the more we can reduce the stigma around the subject and infuse our communities with hope and healing.
Support Groups:
- Survivors After Suicide (SAS) https://didihirsch.org/services/suicide-prevention
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Adult and Child Bereavement Groups Email: suicideprevention@dmh.lacounty.gov
- Healing Conversations: Personal Support for Survivors of Suicide Loss https://afsp.org/healing-conversations
And finally, check in with yourself and with someone in your life. Remind them that they are never a bother. If you need help or someone to listen, connect with one of these resources.