September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month (NSPAM), which stems from a broader movement to address mental health challenges and reduce the stigma associated with suicide. If you’re unfamiliar with NSPAM, keep reading for our introductory course on its five Ws: The Who, What, Where, When and Why.
WHO is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month meant to help?
While National Suicide and Prevention Month is primarily observed in the United States, the movement has inspired similar efforts worldwide. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) have supported global initiatives, such as World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, to address suicide on an international scale. Remember, suicide knows no boundaries.
WHAT is the goal of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month?
The goal of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is to reduce the frequency of suicide by raising awareness, fostering understanding, reducing stigma around mental health and promoting action at individual, community and policy levels. It inspires action and hope while also commemorating the lives that have already been lost to suicide.
WHERE can people access resources for National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month?
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Here are just a few places you (or they) can turn to:
– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Visit 988lifeline.org or dial 988. The Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals. The website also offers educational materials and ways to get involved in suicide prevention efforts.
– American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Visit afsp.org for education resources, research and advocacy opportunities. The AFSP also organizes events like “Out of the Darkness” walks to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
– National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org for information on mental health conditions, crisis intervention and support groups. They offer a variety of resources tailored to different audiences, including families, teens and veterans.
– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Visit samhsa.gov or call 800.662.HELP if you’re facing mental health crises or substance use disorders. They also provide guides, toolkits and directories for finding local mental health services.
– Crisis Text Line: Visit crisistextline.org or text “HELLO” to 741741. The Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support through text messages for people in crisis. It’s a discreet way for individuals to get help in real time.
– Veterans Crisis Line: Visit veteranscrisisline.net or dial 988, then select option 1. This service is specifically for veterans and their families, offering 24/7 support via phone, text and chat.
– The Trevor Project: Visit thetrevorproject.org for crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. They offer a 24/7 hotline, chat, text services and educational materials.
WHEN did National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month begin?
The modern suicide prevention movement gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s as awareness of mental health issues increased. During this time, organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) were established to focus on education and advocacy around suicide prevention. Fast forward to the 2000s, when the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) began organizing National Suicide Prevention Week in the United States during the first full week of September. September was declared National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in 2008 to recognize the need for sustained efforts in addressing suicide prevention.
WHY should people care about National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month?
1. It Saves Lives: Suicide is preventable, and raising awareness can help save lives. By understanding the warning signs, knowing how to offer support and reducing stigma, people can intervene before a crisis escalates.
2. It Breaks the Stigma: Stigma around mental health and suicide can prevent individuals from talking about their struggles or seeking support. Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month helps to normalize these conversations, making it easier for those in need to come forward.
3. It Helps Us Recognize the Signs: Many people may not realize that someone close to them is struggling. Awareness efforts teach people to recognize signs of distress in friends, family or colleagues and offer appropriate support. When people care about suicide prevention, they contribute to a culture of care and support within their community.
4. It Addresses a Public Health Crisis: Suicide is a significant public health issue, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds and communities. In the U.S., suicide is one of the leading causes of death, particularly among young people and certain vulnerable populations. The effects of suicide ripple through families, communities and society as a whole. Raising awareness helps address the root causes and reduce the incidence of suicide, which has lasting benefits for everyone.
5. It Creates Hope and Connection: Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month reminds people that they’re not alone and help is available. It fosters hope, showing that recovery and healing are possible, even in the darkest moments.
If you’re curious about how RK helps its employees with mental health and suicide prevention, check out our blog on RK’s Employee Assistance Program!