The following information is from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit. This toolkit includes key messages, images, and resources.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides 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” with the call 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.
Week 3: Let’s Talk About Mental Health In Our Community. Talking about mental health in communities helps raise awareness and supports those who need help. Talking about mental health and suicide on a community level can help raise awareness and support suicide prevention efforts and encourage those who need extra support to connect to services.
Surrounding people and families with supportive neighborhoods, businesses, schools, faith communities, and services is a critical way to support every person. Communities that work together in an intentional and proactive way are vital to changing the narrative about mental health and suicide.
Those who are at risk of suicide, or those who are close to a person who died by suicide, can be particularly affected by the language that we use. In the end, our goal is to reduce stigma so that individuals reach out for the help that they need. The heart of what we say should be respectful and place emphasis on care and concern.
- Community conversations are a common thread that builds community. There are many ways to hold conversations within your community. Consider searching for a community education class or community recreation programs near you to help you talk about mental health and suicide.
- Community can be defined as a feeling of fellowship with others because of shared common attitudes, interests, and goals. Community plays an important role in our mental health and wellbeing. Where do you find your community? What in your community supports your mental health and wellbeing?
- Every person and organization in the community has a role in normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide. To see what you can do, explore the Normalizing Conversations About Mental Health and Suicide Toolkit. Recommended actions, tools, and resources can be used to have conversations, prevent people from having suicidal experiences, and improve the lives of people who are struggling.
Be sure to stop by the library and browse our selection of suicide and mental health materials. From books to promotional items, magnets, and stickers, our display will be up throughout the month of September. I am one of four wonderful librarians, so please don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out. Even if I don’t know you, I am always open for a conversation.
Keep following along during the month of September for more information and resources. Week four will cover talking about mental health resources.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~