Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

Spark awareness for suicide this month.

Although Suicide Prevention Week has come and gone this year, working to promote awareness and prevention is still important year-round effort. We will continue to promote awareness throughout September, as we celebrate National Suicide Awareness Month. Through many possible actions, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention is taking huge strides toward suicide prevention and awareness. Here are some ways YOU can help to prevent suicide:

1. Walk for prevention: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers three main walking events for prevention. These “Darkness” walks take place within 350 communities around the nation, on college campuses, and even an overnight walk.

2. Volunteer: Anyone can volunteer at the foundation. There are volunteer centers in all 50 states. With a mission to “save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide”, AFSP offers various volunteer opportunities for everyone.

3. Bring Prevention to your School: AFSP offers many programs to bring suicide awareness and prevention to schools. For example, their “More Than Sad” program assists teens understand depression and challenges with depression at an early age. It also demystifies the process of receiving treatment for depression and mental health, removing the stigma.

4. Get Training: The foundation offers training for suicide prevention. These include many workshops, lectures, and support groups for those affected by suicide or hoping to prevent suicide and raise awareness. These are offered for families, bipolar disorders, early detection, LGBTQ+ groups, and more.

5. Give a gift: AFSP accepts donations for many purposes. One can donate to the foundation itself, to a participant in a volunteer event, and donations in memory of those who have been lost to suicide. Purchasing products from AmazonSmile donates a certain percentage to AFSP.

During this Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, think about doing some of these things to help.

Source: afsp.org