September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month (SPM)

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

About SPM

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. While suicidal thoughts are common, they should not be considered normal, and they often indicate more serious issues.

Calls to Action

• If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat online at 988Lifeline. org immediately.

• Help us spread the word about 988 and available support. Visit NAMI’s 988 Crisis Response State Legislation Map to learn more about what legislation in moving in your state and across the country.

• Explore how your community can #ReimagineCrisis. Find helpful information and timely resources to use in your advocacy efforts to build a better crisis response system.

• Post on social media to demand a mental health response to mental health crises.

• Stay up to date on NAMI’s Advocacy Alerts.

For Suicide Warning Signs, see this new offering from NAMI: Suicide-Signs

Learn more from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP):
afsp-suicide-prevention-provides-resources-

Learn about Alternatives to Suicide Support:
innercompass.org/resource/alternatives-suicide and wildfloweralliance.org/