Welcome to Suicide Prevention Week!
Throughout this week, individuals and organizations around the state and country join their voices to broadcast the message that everyone can take action for suicide prevention. We all have a role to play in suicide prevention. There are actions you can take right now to support yourself and those around you:
- Together we can Take Action for Mental Health by learning more, checking-in with ourselves and others, and getting support when needed. Visit www.takeaction4MH.com for more information.
- Together we can Take Action for Suicide Prevention by knowing the signs for suicide, finding the words to check-in with someone we are concerned about, and reaching out to resources. Visit www.suicideispreventable.org for more information.
Get involved in Suicide Prevention Week by joining in on the Take Action for Suicide Prevention Challenge beginning today – Tuesday, September 6th, 2022. To get started download the challenge flyer and challenge card!
Daily Challenge #1: Play one of our games for suicide prevention
Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Although every story is different, and the problem of suicide is complex, there are three powerful ways everyone can take action for suicide prevention: Know the Signs, Find the Words, and Reach Out.
- Know the Signs of suicide. Pain isn’t always obvious. Yet most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. The signs or changes in behavior may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts.
- Find the Words when you are concerned about someone. Ask them: “are you thinking about suicide?” The words can be difficult to say but being direct lets the person know that you care and want to help. Asking about suicide will not suggest the idea to them if they aren’t already thinking about it. Listening, expressing concern, and providing reassurance will go a long way in your effort to support them.
- Reach Out – You are not alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) at any time for assistance or call 911 for life threatening emergencies.
Download one or more of the following games and challenge yourself or a group of friends to a friendly competition. Have fun while learning the warning signs of suicide, tips for having a conversation with someone you are concerned about, and interesting facts about mental health and suicide prevention.
- Crossword Puzzle
- Trivia
- Bingo
Find activities, resources and more in the Suicide Prevention Week Activation Kit.
Connect with thousands throughout the country during Suicide Prevention Week by using the hashtags #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionWeek #takeaction4MH