Suicide Prevention Month in New Hampshire: Creating Safe and Effective Messages of Hope
Suicide Prevention Month is a time to unite, spread hope, and encourage help-seeking behaviors. By participating in these initiatives and sharing resources, we can make a significant impact on preventing suicide and promoting mental health and well-being in our communities. Remember, your actions can save lives.
Empowering States and Communities: To effectively prevent suicide, it’s essential to empower our communities with the right tools and resources.
Join the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Get involved in the collective #BeThere messaging effort by using #BeThere and #SPM24 on social media. This campaign educates the public on how to support those struggling with mental health issues.
Encouraging Help-Seeking and Community Participation
Encourage Help-Seeking: Promote crisis services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential, 24/7 support via phone (call or text 988) and online chat. Utilize the 988 Partner Toolkit to tailor your messages for different audiences. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 support by text (text HOME to 741741).
Support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s #BeThe1To Movement: Learn and share the five steps that can save a life:
Ask
Be there
Help keep them safe
Help them connect
Follow up
Participate in Community Events: Join an Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). These events raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support survivors of suicide loss.
Get Involved and Spread the Word
World Suicide Prevention Day: On September 10, participate in World Suicide Prevention Day using ideas from the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). Additionally, engage in National American Indian/Alaska Native Hope for Life Day by utilizing the Action Alliance toolkit.
Support Veterans: Explore ways to #REACH out to military veterans or service members with resources from the Veterans Crisis Line. Whether you have one minute, one hour, or more, your support can make a significant difference.
Take Five Minutes: Take five minutes to reach out to someone who may be struggling. A simple act of kindness and support can save a life.
Suicide Prevention Month is a time to come together as a community, support one another, and promote messages of hope and help-seeking. By leveraging effective messaging frameworks and actively participating in awareness campaigns and community events, we can make a significant impact on suicide prevention in New Hampshire. Remember, your actions can save lives.
For more information and resources, visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.