National Suicide Prevention Week

September 03, 2023

National Suicide Prevention Week

National Suicide Prevention week begins on September 4^th through September 10^th. This week is to bring awareness about preventing suicide and to learn about the warning signs of suicide. This week is important and is part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Talk to someone and make them feel better about themselves, which is the first step of preventing suicide. Although not all suicides can be prevented, it is encouraged to talk about this subject in a serious and calm manner.

Contact the suicide and crisis helpline in your country. Get information and the resources that you need to help someone. If you have a tough time talking to someone about expressing their feelings, there are pre-written messages online that can help you begin the conversation. Let them know that they are not alone and show your care. Listen to them and give them positive feedback.

Learn about the warning signs of suicide by listening attentively to what they say. For example, they give away all their belongings, properties, automobiles, and other items. Also, if they say goodbye to their family and friends in a voicemail, text message, or e-mail. Notice any changes in eating habits, changes in mood, and changes with their sleep habits. Additionally, if they want to harm themselves in any form is another warning sign.

Have them speak to someone from the suicide and crisis lifeline. Wear yellow to bring awareness of suicide prevention. Yellow began with World Suicide Prevention Day which is held every year on September 10^th. This day is about bringing awareness of suicide prevention globally by informing everyone with resources about suicide prevention. This can be done by posting on social media about suicide prevention.

Hanging posters at work and at school. Provide information with brochures at school, work, and at hospitals about suicide prevention. Ask before placing any brochures, posters, and other information about suicide prevention. You can get free brochures and resources at the National Institute of Mental Health website. Last, be available for your friends and family who are having a challenging time.

Be available for them, especially if you sense something is wrong and follow your intuition. Spend time with them and do fun activities that make them forget about their troubles. Make sure they feel safe. Contact the crisis hotline and call emergency services if they try to harm themselves. Here are resources about suicide prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Week-AFSP

National Suicide Prevention Week | AFSP

Suicide Prevention-Help Guide:

Suicide Prevention - HelpGuide.org

Lifeline (988 Lifeline Organization):

Lifeline (988lifeline.org)

National Institute of Mental Health-Suicide Prevention:

NIMH » Suicide Prevention (nih.gov)

How to Help a Suicidal Friend-11 Tips-Healthline:

How to Help a Suicidal Friend: 11 Tips (healthline.com)