This year, National Suicide Prevention Week begins on September 10 and ends on September 16.The theme of this annual campaign is Talk Away the Dark, and it is observed in the United States in addition to World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place on September 10. The aim of these observances is to help raise public awareness for mental health issues, share resources, and encourage community participants to band together to support each other to decrease the rates of suicide in the US and around the world.
Talking about suicide can be difficult, but it’s likely necessary to help reduce mental health stigma. The World Health Organization reports that more than 700,000 people globally die from suicide each year. They also share that a prior suicide attempt is one of the most common risk factors in suicide completion. That’s why creating an open dialogue about this issue, checking in on loved ones, and educating everyone on the availability of resources for those facing mental health challenges can make a difference.
HOW TO OBSERVE SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK
- Raise awareness: Although suicide is still a leading cause of death, suicide prevention efforts can make a real impact. Sharing personal stories and statistics and otherwise speaking openly about mental health can be helpful during this week and year-round.
- Educate yourself: Learning about mental health can take on many forms. You could: tune in to webinars on mental well-being topics, join a loved one at a group therapy or support session, stay up to date on research, learn how to have a compassionate dialogue, and support someone going through a mental health challenge.
- Look out for others: Another way to positively impact those around you is to check in on friends and family about how they’re doing. Letting them know that you’re there for them can make a significant difference if they’re facing mental health challenges, and you can also help connect them to any resources they may need.
- Wear the colors: The National Suicide Prevention Week colors are orange and yellow together on one ribbon. They represent the colors of the flame of a candle to signify both remembrances of those lost to suicide as well as the light of hope for those that communities can work together to safeguard. If someone asks you about your color choices, you can tell them about suicide prevention efforts, suicide warning signs, and how they can participate too.
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES AND HOTLINES IN MINNESOTA
These resources are available if you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis:
- Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741 or text AYUDA for help in Spanish
- Crisis Phone Number in your Minnesota county (Todd County: 1-800-462-5525)
- National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
- Press 1 for Veteran Crisis Line
- Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit https://988lifeline.org/. This service is staffed by trained professionals who can assess your needs and connect you with appropriate resources near you. Lifeline’s website includes a Spanish version and accessibility information for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
