September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

A time to remember those who have died by suicide and to support people who are struggling with depression. Mental health advocates, survivors, and community members work together to raise awareness and promote prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Week September 8-14th, 2024

National Suicide Prevention Week, observed from September 8-14, 2024, is a vital initiative led by the American Association of Suicidology. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, providing support and resources to those affected by suicide, and promoting efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Join us in raising awareness and putting and end to mental health stigma.

World Suicide Prevention Day. September 10th, 2024

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

Know The Signs

Every day in California friends, family and co-workers struggle with emotional pain. And, for some, it’s too difficult to talk about the pain, thoughts of suicide and the need for help. Though the warning signs can be subtle, they are there. By recognizing these signs, knowing how to start a conversation and where to turn for help, you have the power to make a difference – the power to save a life.

Resources

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Dial or Text 988

24/7 Mobile Crisis Response (888) 886-5401 or (916) 787-8860

Standup Placer 24/7 Crisis Support (800) 575-5352

Crisis Resolution Center (866) 251-7584

Veterans Crisis Hotline Call 988 then Press 1

Forgotten Soldier Program / Placer Reset (530) 889-2300

LGBT National Talk Line Contact (888) 843-4564

LGBT National Youth Talk Line Contact (800) 246-7743

Trevor Lifeline Contact: (866) 488-7386 or Text: START to 678678

Call Teen Line at 1-800-852-8336 (6 PM-10 PM PT) or text TEEN to 839863 (6 PM-9 PM PT).

Mental Health Crisis Support

BeThe1To

#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. To learn more click here!

Ask

Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Be There

Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

Keep Them Safe

A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.

Help Them Stay Connected

Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Follow Up

Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

Local Events

Recovery Happens

Recovery Happens is an annual community event sponsored by Placer community agencies to recognize individuals who are in recovery. On Saturday September 14, 2024, 300+ participants and their families will join together with recovery resources at Auburn Recreation Park to celebrate the difference that recovery has made in their lives. Local musicians, DJ, speakers, and business owners donate time and resources. Individuals in recovery share stories of living with mental health and substance challenges, inspiring and strengthening support for Placer residents.

Out Of The Darkness Walk-Placer County

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a 3-5 mile walk taking place in hundreds of communities across the country this year, with the proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). By walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks, you will be walking with thousands of other walkers nationwide to raise money for AFSP’s vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide, and provide support for survivors of suicide loss. In deciding to walk you are taking us a step closer to making suicide prevention a national priority.

Placer County’s walk will take place on October 5th, 2024 at Railhead Park, Auburn, CA. To learn more and register please click here!

Programs and Services

NAMI Family to Family Educational Program

September 26, 2024 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free course for family members and caregivers of individuals with mental illnesses.

The course is taught by trained family members
All instruction and course materials are free to class participants
Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program

NAMI Family Support Group

September 4th, 2024 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

NAMI Family Support Group (FSG) is a support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.

-NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.

Free of cost to participants
Designed for adult loved ones of people with mental health conditions
Led by family members of people with mental health conditions
90 minutes long and meets three times per month
No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
Confidential

To learn more click here!

Trainings

Be Sensitive Be Brave, SafeTalk, & ASIST

Please join us in making Placer County a suicide-safer community. PCOE offers a suicide prevention series of workshops to support anyone in the Placer community in learning life-saving skills. No matter your current skill level, we have a training that is right for you. Here are the first three workshops coming up this year:

Be Sensitive Be Brave: September 10^th, in-person (Rocklin), 6pm-8pm
- Link to register
SafeTALK: September 4^th, in-person (Auburn), 9am-1pm
- Link to register
ASIST: September 5^th & 6^th (Rocklin) 8:30am-4:30pm
- Link to register

Take the Pledge to end Mental Health Stigma in Placer County

Join the pledge to be the change to end mental health stigma and discrimination!

Here’s how you can be the change:

Speak Up

Challenge harmful language and attitudes when you hear them, and educate others about the impact of language on mental health.

Lead by example

Use language that is respectful, accurate, and non-judgmental when referring to individuals living with mental illness.

Educate yourself

Learn about mental health and the ways in which language can reduce stigma and discrimination.

Get involved

Participate in awareness campaigns, volunteer with organizations dedicated to reducing mental health stigma, and advocate for policy changes that promote inclusion and understanding.

Show support

Reach out to someone you know who is living with mental illness and offer them your support and understanding. Encourage others to take the pledge.

To take the pledge click here!

Statewide Resources

Take Action For Mental Health

The statewide Take Action for Mental Health campaign 2024 theme is “Reimagine, or #ReimagineMH” As in, we are encouraging others to reimagine your Mental Health. Share how you’re feeling today. Share music or songs that uplift you. Share how you overcame stigmas in your family or community in getting mental health support. In May (and every other month!) we’re encouraging counties, organizations, and so many others to come together and share how they support their mental well-being on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by using the hashtag #ReimagineMH.

Digital Toolkit:

The digital toolkit theme for September is Love Over Loneliness.

Click here to access the full toolkit which includes: