National Suicide Prevention Month – Info & Resources

Trigger Warning: Depression, Self-Harm, Suicide

Disclaimer: I am not a practicing mental health professional. The information shared in this post is meant to provide some resources that can be helpful to those who are in crisis and those who want to help them. It is not an exhaustive list. If you are in immediate danger of self-harm or harming another, please seek help immediately. Be safe.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. I created my colorway ❤STAY❤ as a way to both bring awareness to the need for help for those at risk for self-harm, as well as to raise money to send to two organizations whose mission it is to provide services to help end suicide in specific populations: K9s for Warriors (Veterans) and The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ youth).

In addition to the colorway though, I wanted to share a list of resources you might find helpful.

If you are struggling with depression or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please dial 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US. If you are outside of the US, this page lists crisis numbers available in other countries. It also has helpful information on how to begin to ask for help if you don’t know what to say.

Veterans in crisis – Dial 988 and press 1. You can also chat online or text someone via the Veterans Association Suicide Prevention online resources here.

LGBTQIA+ Youth – The Trevor Project offers 24/7 assistance chat, call, or text. Their site has a quick exit function if you need it.

From the #Bethe1to7 website, here is information on how to help someone who is struggling. Helping them get in touch with a mental health professional is optimal, but in the moment, you CAN make a difference just by reaching out.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask. Many people might be reticent to inquire whether a friend or family member is having thoughts of suicide. But research shows that asking such questions decreases, rather than increases that risk.
2. Help keep them safe. Reducing the person’s access to lethal means can go a long way to preventing a tragedy.
3. Stay in touch. Suicidal thoughts thrive in isolation — being there for your loved one can help protect against suicide, experts say.
4. Encourage them to reach out for help. People in crisis who called 988 were more likely to experience a lessening of depression, and feel less helpless and more hopeful at the end of the call.
5. Follow up. After connecting the person in crisis with the support system they need, don’t stop reaching out and checking in. Maintaining a presence in their life can reduce your loved one’s odds for suicide.

❤ My friends…stay. Tomorrow needs you. ❤