TRIGGER WARNING (TW): Mentions of suicide  

(Summary at the bottom) 

September is national suicide prevention month. Last year we wrote a post you can take a look at here.

We acknowledge this topic can be triggering for some. Please take care of yourselves, and feel free to stop reading if you need to. We recommend everyone to reach out to someone you trust if you are in need of support.

Different national and international organizations (such as United Nations/World Health Organization and National Alliance on Mental Illness) approach the month of September to spread awareness and prevention about suicide. They have their own aim or purpose each year, but one target is universal: each life lost to suicide is one life too many.   

The theme for September is "Changing the narrative on suicide". WHO have chosen the period of 2024 to 2026 to debunk harmful misconceptions, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate conversations and openness about suicide. The goal is to motivate people to practice empathy and understanding, and create spaces for support where people feel able to speak up and seek help, rather than remaining silent when we need each other.

Changing the narrative also means driving systemic change. It calls for suicide prevention and mental health to be a priority in public policy, meaning urging governments and institutions to acknowledge and take action. This includes developing and implementing evidence-based strategies, improving access to quality care and ensuring everyone in distress receives the support they need.  

Each September, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) dedicates the month to raise awareness about suicide prevention. This month, NAMI recognizes this months’ goal to “Start a conversation. Be the difference.” With one conversation, asking someone how they are really doing and being ready to truly listen can save lives. No one should have to face it alone, help exists, and healing is possible. All it can take is for one person to start a conversation. 

Kindness is important throughout the entire year, and not just in September. The person next to you, or a user you interact with in the forums, might be struggling more than you know. As you never know what battles someone is facing, meeting each other with kindness and compassion is key.

If you know someone is struggling, listen to them. Make sure they feel heard, valued, and appreciated. Let them know you are there for them, or urge them towards someone who can be, as going through a difficult period can be lonely and isolating. 

Mental health continues to be stigmatized across the world, and showing openness and caring can make a huge impact by encouraging people to seek out the help and support they need. 

It is okay to ask for help, and it is alright to admit that you are not doing well. Remind yourself and those around you that you do not have to go through life alone, and that help exists. Your feelings and experiences are valid and important. 

• September has a suicide prevention day and a suicide prevention month.
  
  
  
• Different organizations have their own plans on battling suicide.
  
  
  
• The World Health Organization (WHO) talks about creating a place where people can speak up about suicide and are talking about how people should get the care that they need.
  
  
  
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) talks about dedicating the month to talk to each other and be there for each other during hard times to be a difference in someone's life.
  
  
  
• Mental health is still stigmatized across the entire globe, but kindness, understanding, encouragement and support is already one step towards the right path.