September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an annual month-long campaign to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma around the topic and encourage those in need to utilize available resources.

About Suicide Prevention Month

Here is the breakdown of the month and why we observe, according to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,

“September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness. World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.”

Get to know the issue by reviewing AFSP’s Suicide Facts & Figures: Georgia.

Help Raise Awareness via Social Media

One of the easiest and most effective ways you can help prevent suicide is to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If someone you know is thinking about suicide and needs emotional support or resources, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the U.S.

Here are graphics and videos to download and share, and below is a sample post you can use:

We can all help #PreventSuicide. @988Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals by calling or texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org #SPM23

Important Resources to Help You Observe Suicide Prevention Month

1. Suicide Prevention Resource Center
2. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
3. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness

Opportunities to Get Involved in the Atlanta Area

1. Register for one of our free monthly virtual QPR or Youth Mental Health First Aid suicide prevention trainings here.
2. Join our GUIDE to Wellness Fair on September 16 from 10 am – 2 pm at Lillian Webb Park in Norcross, GA for free training, local resources and family fun. Learn more here.
3. Stay up to date with the latest news, resources, campaigns and more by tuning in on social media: #SPM23, #NSPW, #WSPD23, #BeThe1To, #StopSuicide, #PreventSuicide, #988Lifeline