5 WAYS FOR CHANGE: Help Prevent Suicide & Promote Awareness without Stigma
You can #BetheChange:
#SpeakUp #LeadbyExample #EducateYourself #GetInvolved #ShowSupport
1 - #SPEAKUP
Challenge harmful language and attitudes when you hear them, and educate others about the impact of language on mental health.
Each mind matters and if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis there are tools and ways to reach out.
You are not alone, ask for help, someone WILL listen.
Connect with People You Trust: If you’re struggling, it’s okay to share your feelings.
To start, you could copy on of these pre-written messages and send it to a trusted contact.
- Reach out - When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support.
- Contact a loved one - I don’t want to die, but I don't know how to live. Talking with you may help me feel safe. Are you free to talk?
- Express your feelings - This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts and it might help to talk. Are you free?
- Check-in - I’m struggling right now and just need to talk to someone — can we chat?
Connect Locally - Placer County 24/7 Crisis lines:
Adult: 1-916-787-8860 or 1-888-886-5401
Children's: 1-916-872-6549 or 1-866-293-1940
Connect to 988:
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and someone is ALWAYS there to listen.
- Additional help lines: HERE
More Local Support Resources:
- Placer County Crisis Resources
- Family Mobile Crisis
- Lotus Behavioral Crisis Center
- Cirby Wellness Center - Support Groups
- Support Networks/Groups
2 - #LEADBYEXAMPLE
Use language that is respectful, accurate and non-judgmental when referring to individuals living with mental illness.
Showing others it is okay to ask for help AND a great way to lead by example!
If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, and/or signs of depression and don't know where to start, this may help guide you.
@NIMHgov
3 - #EDUCATEYOURSELF
Learn about mental health and barriers or challenges someone with mental illness may overcome.
Learn the ways in which language can reduce stigma and discrimination.
Below are a few events to educate the public and prevent suicide:
Recovery Happens - A Community Event
Saturday - September 30th 2023 - 10am to 2pm
Auburn
(Food, Music & More)
Safety Planning A Suicide Prevention & Crisis De-escalation Training
Friday - September 29th - 12PM to 1PM
(ZOOM)
Presented by Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition & The Speedy Foundation
Learn:
- Risk Factors for crisis
- Protective factors
- Potential warning signs
- How to express concern
- Safety Planning
- Resources
REGISTER HERE
Online Educational Opportunities (Pre-recorded Webinars):
Suicide Prevention Resources Center – (list of full trainings click here)
- The Power of Human Connections: Improving the Treatment of Suicidality with the Insights of Lived Experience
- Digital Mental Health Interventions for Suicide Prevention among Young Adults
- CBT for Suicidal Behavior
- Supporting Tribal Youth at Risk for Suicide: Honoring Children, Mending the Circle
- Intimate Partner Violence and Suicide
- Creating and Using Partnerships to Reduce Access to Lethal Means: Part 1 and Part 2
National Institute of Mental Health (Pre-recorded Webinar):
- Responding to the Alarm: Addressing Black Youth Suicide (Pre-recorded Webinar)
Other Educational Pre-recorded Webinars:
- Psychology Services Unit Clinic: Webinar Series 2023 Part 1: Suicide Prevention
- Construction Suicide Prevention: 2023 CSPW Webinar Series Aug 2023 – Talk Saves Lives
- Safe Project: Suicide Prevention SAFE Veterans
4 - #GETINVOLVED
Participate in awareness campaigns, volunteer with organizations dedicated to reducing mental health stigma.
Advocate for policy changes that promote inclusion and understanding.
Get involved LOCALLY! Join a few awareness campaigns in September and October:
Out of the Darkness - Placer County Walk:
Saturday - October 7th 2023 - 9AM
Auburn
NAMI YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
Youth Uniting to Build Community Wellness
Saturday - September 30th - 10AM-3PM
Sacramento
NAMI Family-to-Family
September 26th to November 7th - 8 Sessions
Roseville
5 - #SHOWSUPPORT
Take the pledge to #BetheChange
- Visit Placer4MentalHealth
and pledge your support and join Placer County to #BreaktheStigma. - Work together to create a world where everyone, regardless of their mental health, is treated with dignity and respect.
- Encourage other to take the pledge.
Reach out to someone you know who is living with mental illness and offer them your support and understanding. Start the conversation of support:
- Before It's a Crisis - Youth Suicide Prevention Tips
- How Family & Loved Ones Can Help - Youth Suicide Prevention
