World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th and kicks off the National Suicide Prevention week through September 16th each year.
In 1987 a small group of caring individuals who had each lost someone to suicide had a vision to establish a source of support for suicide research and education so that essential suicide prevention efforts could be sustained into the future. Thirty-five years later, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the non-profit organization they created, has established local chapters in all 50 states and has reached thousands of individuals who are at risk for suicide, as well as those who care for them.
As a Volunteer Field Advocate for AFSP, I encourage everyone to have open conversations about mental health and fight the stigma surrounding suicide. This year AFSP has a new campaign “Talk Away the Dark”. Talking is the first step to preventing suicide. Having lost family members to suicide, I know all too well that people worry about saying the wrong thing and in human fashion, end up saying nothing at all. There are many educational resources that AFSP offers for “Conversation Starters” and “How to Talk Away the Dark” for this exact reason.
Many people get involved as field advocates after attending an annual Out of Darkness Walk. Since 2002, the AFSP’s Out of Darkness Walks have brought thousands of people together to walk through their communities to raise public awareness and funds to support suicide prevention. My family and I have participated in these walks for a number of years. Now, more than ever with suicide on the rise for young adults, it’s important to safeguard our mental health and wellbeing.
Research also helps us understand what leads someone to suicide and how we may effectively save more lives. “Ask Dr. Jill” featuring AFSP’s Vice President of Research covers many topics surrounding mental health and suicide prevention each week. To learn more go to www.afsp.org/NSPW.
The Salem Out of Darkness walk is scheduled to take place on October 14th starting at 9 am with a paved 2 mile walk at 11 am at the Riverfront Park and I hope to see you there.
The Youth Education Program will also be participating again this year, for more info email [email protected].
To learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and their mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, visit www.afsp.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or text NATIVE to 741741.
Be well,
Hayu Masi, q’at.