Email Subject: Suicide Prevention Week Challenge #2: Find the Words
Suicide Prevention Week (September 5-11, 2021) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2021) is a time when individuals and organizations around the country and the world join their voices to broadcast the message that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention and to remember loved ones lost to suicide. We hope you will join us by participating in the Suicide Prevention Week Challenge. To get started download the challenge flyer and challenge card!
Download the “Know the Signs – Find the Words – Reach Out” Crossword Puzzle and try to solve all the clues. Take a picture of the solved puzzle and post it to your social media with these hashtags: #SuicidePrevention #Crossword. For more activities such as Trivia and Bingo visit: www.suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php.
“Are you thinking about suicide?”. These words can be difficult to say, but when it comes to suicide prevention, none are more important. Asking someone directly about suicide can be difficult but being direct provides an opportunity for the person to open up and talk about their feelings. Asking directly about suicide will not suggest the idea to them. Listening, expressing concern, and providing reassurance will go a long way in your effort to support them.
If you think someone is thinking about suicide, listen to your instincts and take it seriously. Don’t leave them alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) at any time for assistance.
Additional activity suggestions:
- When it comes to suicide prevention, the terms, phrases, and words we use can have a significant impact on the way messages are received. Messages can encourage someone to seek help and reach out, or they can push people further from the support they need. Learn about suicide prevention safe and effective messaging recommendations by joining the Suicide Prevention Week: Messaging Matters Webinar 7th 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and reviewing the ‘Messaging Matters’ tip sheet.
- To learn more about the warning signs for suicide and tips to prepare for a conversation with someone you are concerned about visit the “Find the Words” section of the website: org.
- Download and share the Find the Words card and social media posts.
- Watch this 60-second PSA created by a California student. This film encourages the viewer to directly ask someone who shows warning signs of suicide if they are thinking of suicide. The film, called “Unrecognizable Thoughts,” explains that asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide is important and that “you may have to break a friend’s trust to help them.”
Find even more activities in the Suicide Prevention Week 2020 Kit here.
Connect with thousands throughout the country during Suicide Prevention Week by using the hashtags #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionWeek #WorldSuicidePreventionDay