The following information is from the Minnesota Department of Health. Please follow Meinders Community Library on Facebook or subscribe to our website, meinderslibrary.com, as I will be posting additional information and resources throughout the month.
It is September, and that means the start of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.
This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and calls to start the conversation. The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding mental health and suicide. Changing the narrative on how we perceive and talk about mental health and suicide requires systemic change. To make change happen, we will need to shift our culture from silence and stigma to encouragement, understanding and support.
Start the conversation with ourselves.
- Starting the conversation around mental health doesn’t have to be heavy. It can be as simple as asking a few simple questions. Are you OK? What’s going on? What can I do to help? Seize The Awkward has tips and opening lines to help make starting the conversation easier.
- We are less alone when we turn to each other. The Mental Health Coalition has tips for fostering connection and how to find people to connect through technology.
- Sometimes it is hard to know when you need to connect with someone to support you with your mental health. If you want to learn more about when you may need to get support, check out the My Mental Health information from the National Institute of Mental Health.
- Seek help during times of struggle with loneliness or isolation by reaching out to a family member, a friend, a health care provider, or a counselor. You can also reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8 or using the 988 online chat feature.
Stay tuned for next week’s post as I discuss how to start the conversation with loved ones. I will provide links and resources to help with this step.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~