American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

It's time we talk away the dark. Suicide is a topic that hides in the shadows. All too often it goes unaddressed, even when we may sense someone is struggling. It’s time we shed some light on this leading cause of death. In our brand new national public service announcement, we highlight some of the common warning signs for suicide and encourage you to start an open and honest conversation with someone you care about, and connect those at risk to help. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eRFw8efK. #TalkAwayTheDark #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #StopSuicide

Join us in welcoming our new Area Director, Construction Initiatives, Peter Rizzo! We are grateful to have you on the team to help us save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. If you're interested in working at AFSP, see our current job listings at afsp.org/jobs.

In this month's Research Roundup, we highlight four AFSP-funded studies about: 📊 Retirement related issues during the Great Recession may have played a part in suicide rates 🧠 A new model for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents’ brains may inform future research 📑 A suicide assessment faired in identifying individuals with suicidal behavior 2️⃣ Two methods compared in assessing past suicidal behavior in individuals with schizophrenia See what we examined and learn more #Science2StopSuicide:

Dr. Gil Zalsman discusses the connection between genetics and suicide, explaining that suicidal behavior can in part run in families for various reasons. Ongoing research continues to uncover more about this important topic. #Science2StopSuicide

Medication-assisted treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a standard part of treatment that is known to reduce mortality. The possibility has also been raised that it may be effective in reducing the number of deaths by suicide for this population. The rate of death by suicide is 13 times higher in people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). In a sample of Veterans with opioid use disorders treated at a VA Hospital, Dr. Bradley Watts found a 50% decrease in risk for suicide mortality among patients prescribed medications specifically addressing their opioid use. These findings from Dr. Watts’s study can help guide clinical care and policy decisions about opioid use and suicide prevention. Learn more #Science2StopSuicide:

Join us at 7pm ET on November 23 for Survivor Day Live, a virtual experience bringing communities together from across the world to discuss navigating the loss of a loved one to suicide and how to find a pathway toward healing. This year's event will be moderated by Paul Augustyniak, a Tennessee Chapter board member and Loss & Healing Council member. Paul will facilitate a panel discussion among three survivors of suicide loss, including Nebraska Chapter volunteer Donna Wolff, Tampa Bay Chapter volunteer Teresa Daniels, and Central Texas Chapter volunteer Jimmie Martin. This conversation will be in English with English subtitles. Learn more and RSVP: https://lnkd.in/d6vQX-TV

Separating suicidal individuals from lethal means can help prevent suicide. #AFSPadvocacy works with federal and state representatives to ensure safer practices around lethal means. Make your voice heard and become an AFSP Volunteer Advocate: afsp.org/advocacy

“For almost 20 years, my identity has been linked to my career: I’m an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. I’ve spent more than half my life in the Deaf Community, and am forever grateful they’ve allowed me to be part of their world. On March 31st, 2017, I gained a new identity: a Sibling Suicide Loss Survivor. My 18-year-old brother Logan died by suicide, only two months before graduating high school. Born and raised in a wealthy suburb of Minnesota, we always thought suicide was an “other people” problem; we learned quickly that wasn’t the case.” Continue reading the story of Tarra Grammenos:

Curious how substance use plays a role in suicide attempts? Don't know what mentalization is? Want can help in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder? Learn about this #Science2StopSuicide:

91% of adults believe mental health is just as important or more important than physical health. Your mind deserves the same care as your body. What can you do to improve your mental health today? To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit https://lnkd.in/eGJSnMwq. For insights from our recent public perception poll in partnership with National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Suicide Prevention Resource Center, check out: SuicidePreventionNow.org.