September 2023 is National Suicide Prevention Month
Sometimes if you have depression, or are suffering from a situation like bullying or abuse, you feel like everything about your life is pain. It might feel like nothing is ever going to get better. You feel like just getting through the day and putting one foot in front of the other is taking all the strength you have inside.
It can be very difficult to cope with those feelings, and sometimes you might feel like ending your life is the only way to make the pain stop. When you are in survival mode though, your mind lies to you. It tells you that there isn't any way to solve your problems.
No matter how long you have been struggling, or how bad your problems are, there are solutions, and there is help available for you.
Last year, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline changed their phone number to 988. This way, it is easy to remember and to call at any time.
This year's suicide prevention campaign according to Lifeline, is:
#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.
When someone is feeling suicidal, it can be isolating, lonely, and a huge cause of shame. It makes people feel horrible about themselves inside, and they usually don't want to talk about it. If someone reaches out to you, you can be a critical part of helping them.
Or, if you think that someone may be feeling suicidal and you notice signs that they are feeling this way, then you can be the one who reaches out instead. It is very hard for people with suicidal feelings to talk about them because of the stigma surrounding suicide.
You can read about 5 steps to suicide prevention and advice for anyone contemplating suicide.
Additionally, you can be an ally for anyone who is thinking about suicide, and help to raise awareness about suicide prevention. You can do this by sharing links to the suicide prevention lifeline, sharing suicide facts, and helping reduce the stigma that surrounds talking about suicide.
The National Institute of Mental Health has graphics and sample posts available that can help you support the cause of suicide prevention and make a difference in people's lives. They have messages you can post on social media, as well as graphics that you can use.
If you are thinking about suicide today, know that it can get better. You can find hope, and treatment is available.
For everyone else, please help to support those that are suffering by sharing awareness for the cause of all those who think about suicide on a daily basis.