Northwest Regional Suicide Prevention Coordinator Brenna Olson with Polk County Public Health is reminding residents that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. While mental health and suicide prevention are important all year long, September gives us an opportunity to come together as individuals, organizations, and communities to remind one another that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.
This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with the call to action #StartTheConversation.
Changing the way we talk about mental health and suicide starts with each of us. We can help move our communities from silence and stigma toward understanding, encouragement, connection, and support. The words we use matter, and conversations can help people feel less alone and more comfortable reaching out for support.
We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental health affects how we think, feel, cope with stress, connect with others, and navigate everyday life.
Talking about mental health is not always easy. However, creating safe and supportive spaces where people can talk, listen, and ask for help can make a meaningful difference. There is hope. There is help. Suicide is preventable, and mental illnesses are treatable.
Check out this link to learn more about mental health.
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
Start the Conversation With Yourself:
Taking care of your own mental health is an important part of suicide prevention. Consider:
- Remember that you are not alone. Know who you can reach out to when you need support and keep crisis resources available.
- Focus on what you can control. Some things may be outside of your control, and that is okay.
- Take care of yourself and your responsibilities. Small steps can make a difference.
- Reach out for support. Talk with a trusted family member, friend, counselor, health care professional, or another person you feel comfortable with.
Throughout the month, you are encouraged to #StartTheConversation. A simple check-in, a listening ear, or helping someone connect with support can be an important first step.
Thank you for helping create communities where people feel seen, supported, valued, and connected.
For additional guidance on talking safely about mental health and suicide, please see the Minnesota Department of Health resource, Safe Messaging Around Mental Health and Suicide.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/documents/suicidemessaging.pdf
Together, we can help change the narrative and build a culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength and where everyone knows they matter.
There is hope. There is help.
