National Suicide Prevention Week is 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. Join in this year by visiting suicideispreventable.org to view, download, and share activities and resources.
#SuicidePreventionWeek is Sept 5th – 11th. This year’s special focus is on ‘Transitions’. Transitions can be conceptualized as an event or series of events that causes fundamental changes in the fabric of daily life – what people do, where they do it, and with whom. While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought fundamental changes for people around the world, it has also strengthened our resilience and resolve. Together we can reconnect, reenter, and rebuild for the future.
“Reconnect” Activity Challenge
Wondering how to get involved in Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day? Join in the “Reconnect” Activity Challenge! The challenge will take you through a series of five activities where you’ll connect with others, practice self-care, raise awareness and expand your suicide prevention knowledge. Review, complete, and share your finished challenges for a chance to win a Mental Health Thrival Kit.
This is how it works!
- Download the challenge card and or take a picture and save it to your phone.
- Review and complete challenges. Check them off on the challenge card!
- Post a picture to your social media accounts with the hashtags #Reconnect #SuicidePrevention Not on social media? Email the card to info@suicideispreventable.org.
- The first 25 posts or emails received before September 30, 2021 will receive a Mental Health Thrival Kit!
Learn more at suicideispreventable.org/preventionkit.php. #SuicidePrevention #Reconnect
Discovering May
In “Discovering May,” a transgender woman shares her journey of discovering her identity. The filmmakers said, “With a story of perseverance and resilience, we hope to share her story to inspire many others to be themselves without consequence.” LGBTQ+ youth can call or text The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or visit www.thetrevorproject.org/get-helpnow/ for support. #DirectingChange #SuicidePrevention
Know the Signs
Pain isn’t always obvious. Yet most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. The signs or changes in behavior may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts. These are of most concern if the behavior is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Learn more about the warning signs at www.SuicideisPreventable.org
Find the Words and Create a Safe Space
Feeling connected to friends, family, and our community can be a protective factor for suicide. As we reenter and rebuild the fabrics of our daily life that were so fundamentally disrupted, reconnecting with supportive relationships, and practicing positive coping skills is essential for our emotional well-being. Creating this safe space at a time when there is no crisis is one way we can play a role in suicide prevention.
Reach Out
Use this time to reach out to someone in your life and let them know that you are comfortable to talk about anything they need, including suicide, and should they ever come to a point where they are questioning their reasons for living, you will be there to listen and support them.
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