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 loved ones.
- Check in on your friends and family. Talking with them is one of the best things we can do to get them through difficult times. However, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable, daunting, or just plain awkward. The Roadmap to Friends Supporting Friends gives ideas on what support can look like, how to offer support, and where to begin.
- Having conversations around mental health and suicide can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it can also make a big difference. Not sure where to start? Check out these trainings offered in Minnesota. Suicide Prevention Trainings
- If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you matter and can be the difference in getting them the help they need. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has resources on what to look for and how you can help them.
- It is important to have a conversation about safety if you (or someone you know) are having or have had suicidal thoughts in the past. Everyone can put together a safety plan to help identify when we might need additional support. Create your own safety plan and encourage your family and friends to do the same. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has a great video called Michelle’s Safety Plan to show how to develop a safety plan. It’s also a good idea to share your safety plan with individuals listed on your plan so that they may assist you in your time of need.
On that note, it is also a good idea to review and revise your plan occasionally. I have had a plan on paper for nearly four years and have recently had to make changes. Two of my very important support persons had passed away and some of my coping strategies I used during my suicidal ideation were no longer effective. Knowing what works and doesn’t work can be a process, but in the end, your safety is important to you and those that love you. As I mentioned earlier this month, I am one of four wonderful librarians here at Meinders Community Library and we have books and resources on the topic that can help you or your loved ones. Patron confidentiality is a guiding principle in library work, so please don’t be afraid to ask. I am also a survivor and an advocate, so I am always here to help or lend an ear to listen.
Stay tuned for next week’s post as I discuss how to start the conversation with community. I will provide links and resources to help with this step.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~