American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Post

🌟 Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week; for me, it's a moment of firsts. It's the first time I'm openly addressing a trauma that fundamentally altered the course of my life.  It's about navigating life as a survivor of the suicide of someone close to me. This isn't just my story—it's a narrative of resilience amidst loss. Survivorship isn't a choice, it's a reality thrust upon us. Facing the aftermath is a journey I never anticipated. Through the darkness, I unearthed strengths I had never known existed in me. It's taken time, therapy, and relentless self-work to grasp that I'll always carry the weight of survival. Here's the truth: there's no "getting over it" or "moving on." Instead, I've learned to walk alongside it, acknowledging that it's a part of my story, my baggage. Surviving suicide isn't a solitary battle. It ripples through families, friends, and communities, leaving lasting scars. The stigma surrounding it only adds to the burden, fueling a cycle of shame and blame. But here's the truth: we, the survivors, are resilient. We've unearthed strength and resilience we never knew existed within us. Let's break the silence. Let's acknowledge the profound impact suicide has on those left behind. By sharing our stories, we dismantle the stigma and offer hope to others navigating similar paths. Together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #SurvivorVoices 💙

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share a bit of vulnerability. 2024 has thrown its fair share of challenges my way, both personally and professionally. It's been one of my toughest years, and I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. Remember, everyone is battling something, even if they don't show it. Let's be kind to one another, offer support, and reach out to those we care about. A listening ear or a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference. For those struggling, please don't suffer alone. Reach out and ask for help. - Crisis Services Canada: Call or text 9-8-8 - Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 (24/7) or text CONNECT to 686868 (24/7) - Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca/ #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #youarenotalone #bekind #reachout #selfcare

As someone who has spent a large portion of the past 8 years battling their mental health, #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek feels very important to me💚 My journey started at 16 after experiencing grief for the first time and since then, I have been overcoming anxiety, depression, and OCD in waves✨ I’m fortunate enough that I was able to seek support, and have been in regular therapy for a few years now, but the cost financially is staggering and shows that with other financial pressures, seeing a private therapist is not an option for everyone❗ The truth is, although we have come so far in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, we still have an incredibly long way to go👇🏻 Mind has released statistics showing that 2 million people are still waiting for key intervention and mental health support from the NHS… Samaritans released figures showcasing that only 45% of people are comfortable discussing suicidal thoughts… YoungMinds have stated that we are in a youth mental health emergency and since 2017, the number of young people struggling has almost doubled… 1 in 4 people will experience mental health struggles every single year, and alongside conversation being imperative, so is the necessary intervention and support. Keep talking, showing up, supporting incredible charities like those listed above and pressuring the right people to make change. Always check in on your friends, colleagues, family members and neighbours, even if all seems okay. We will change the system, together. If you are struggling, I have reshared some vital resources you can contact. You are not and never will be, alone. #NoMindLeftBehind #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealth #Wellbeing 

May has become my favorite month of the year because it provides me with an opportunity to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. I wear a green ribbon as a sign of solidarity with those who battle mental health issues. Research shows that 1 in 5 adults live with a chronic mental illness such as anxiety or depression and that on average, individuals that struggle with chronic mental illness wait more than a decade before seeking treatment. The reasons associated with this delay include: #shame, #denial, #stigma, #access, #cost and #misinformation. I am one of the 1 in 5 people who struggle with a chronic mental illness— in my case, anxiety. At its peak, this manifests as feelings of self-harm. I suffered in silence for more than 25 years before admitting I had a problem and seeking support. My daily regimen to manage my anxiety includes: prayer, exercise, therapy, medication, advocacy and the support of family, friends and colleagues who, because of my transparency, now understand my challenges with this disease. By accepting my condition, I became liberated to openly promote mental health awareness and free support resources, such as the 988 support hotline operated by Solari, Inc. for Arizona and Oklahoma. I proudly serve as the Solari Board Chair, working with Justin Chase, and the management team to fulfill our mission of INSPIRING HOPE! This was not as a journey I chose, but the journey I was chosen for and my goal is to reach others like me who may be suffering from the stigma of mental health. It's OK to not be OK, but it's important to seek support and take steps towards healing and self-care. https://lnkd.in/guCDT--4. https://lnkd.in/gV83n5eR

The 1st February is Time to Talk Day , a campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, in partnership with the Co-op. The day runs UK wide, with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) and See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales. The aim of the day is to support communities to have more mental health conversations  to end mental health stigma and discrimination, and is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health and by talking about in a less stigmatising way it we can provide more compassionate support. In all areas of my work I promote positive mental health conversations, and at a recent event where I was speaking at promoting my book ,  I had some very vulnerable and open conversations with members of the audience who took the time to come and speak about their own lived experience after my talk. It takes a lot of courage to open up to a complete stranger in such a public place, but it made me realise that it is even more important to keep going with the sharing and talking about my own lived experience to show that it’s OK to be imperfect and vulnerable, as you never know who may be listening and find comfort in knowing they are not alone and could find the support they need to sustain them through whatever they are experiencing. Time to Talk day is about being open to having conversations anywhere, any time and with anyone who you are comfortable talking to. There are lots of tips available on the Time to Talk Day website if you want to take part, why not have a chat spot at your work or in your community sometime this week?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Let's prioritize our mental wellbeing and support those around us. If you're in Canada, you can reach out to organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for resources and support. Here are some ways to observe Mental Health Awareness Month: - Educate yourself: Learn about mental health conditions, signs, and symptoms. - Reduce stigma: Use respectful language and encourage open conversations. - Support others: Listen actively and offer resources when needed. - Prioritize self-care: Take care of your own mental health and wellbeing. - Get involved: Participate in local events, fundraisers, or awareness campaigns. Remember, mental health matters! Let's work together to create a supportive community. If you need immediate support, you can call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (24/7).

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I invite everyone to take this month to share their story, or support those who do. Monthly awareness months have always been hard for me- why don't we do the right thing all the time? May is also the month my kids dad died by suicide. That was almost 10 years ago. Our kids are struggling in a way that is just as difficult as that time. You know who else is? Everyone we've spoken to. Every parent of teenagers. A year ago I started honestly answering when people asked how I was doing and how my children were doing and it has been staggering. Because everyone we talked to had children who were struggling. EVERYONE. Part of our work at Sharp Index is speaking to healthcare workers after a suicide loss. To sit in darkness with those who are grieving. In healthcare, this loss is often met with silence from leaders and profound shame from colleagues and physicians. Do we talk about it? Can we stand with each other in times of loss? Most of our volunteers have lost someone to suicide. Most of our donors have lost someone. Healthcare is not the only place where mental health is a taboo topic, and people are suffering in isolation, but healthcare is the most stigmatized place THAT WE TRUST WITH OUR MENTAL HEALTH. Is our shame greater than our strength? I am proud to know leaders who share their loss, and take on the backlash for those people who do not feel empowered to share their voice. This month I hope you find the courage to be seen and to hold space for others. #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMonth

Throughout my life, I've witnessed the profound impact of suicide far too many times. From my bike polo community to other circles of friends and acquaintances, I've seen the devastating effects that mental health struggles can have. It's heart-wrenching to watch people battle with life and themselves, often silently, without the support they need. As a man, I've felt the pressure of societal expectations to stay strong and not express vulnerability. In today’s divided society, admitting that we're not always okay is incredibly difficult, but it's crucial to challenge these stigmas. It's okay not to be okay, and we must support each other in expressing and dealing with our emotions. This is why I'm taking on The Push-Up Challenge. I am committing to 3,249 push-ups in 24 days, with each push-up representing a life lost to suicide in Australia. I think the largest number of push-ups I have done in a day, wouldn't surpass 20 or 30. So getting up to an average of 135 a day is not going to be easy. I'm doing this to raise awareness and funds for mental health causes. It's about making a tangible impact, hopefully saving lives and improving our world. If my efforts can make a difference and even save a life, it would be worth every single push-up. I would love your support, whether through encouragement below, joining the challenge yourself, or contributing financially. Every little bit helps us move closer to a world where mental health is openly discussed and supported. I have kicked it off with a first contribution myself. This challenge is in dedication to friends lost, Mickey, Rob, and Aaron (and many others). Miss you all.

🌟 Important Conversation Alert! 🌟 Please see Elliot's post below about suicide 👇🏻 This topic resonates deeply with Talk Works as we support individuals, families and employers with suicide and suicide prevention. Employers have a unique position of influence and responsibility, and Elliot’s advocacy through initiatives such a the Baton of Hope is a testament to the impactful changes that are possible when businesses commit to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. So we wanted to highlight the first Baton of Hope National Conference on May 16th at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield. Join the conference to hear more from other leading experts on making suicide prevention everyone's business. Your involvement as a leader can save lives and build healthier, more resilient communities. 🎟️ Secure your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/ebMZU__4 Let's take this opportunity to learn, engage, and commit to actions that matter. Elliot BrookBen CottamDr Jennifer Cottam #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #BatonOfHopeConference #LeadershipInMentalHealth

Bell Let's Talk Launches "Let's Create Real Change" Campaign on January 24 for National Mental Health Day Bell Let's Talk is gearing up for its annual event on January 24, rallying Canadians to participate in the new campaign, "Let's Create Real Change." Bell Let's Talk Day, has grown to become the largest global conversation about mental health. Nevertheless, even with these monumental efforts, the reality persists that many individuals grappling with mental health challenges are not receiving the crucial support they require, contributing to elevated suicide rates. This year's campaign, "Let's Create Real Change," aims to empower Canadians to move beyond conversation to tangible action. Bell Let's Talk emphasizes that addressing mental health requires a collective effort, encouraging collaboration across all sectors of society. The initiative encourages everyone to show support on social media using the hashtags #BellLetsTalk and #January24. If you or someone you know needs help, visit www.lcmh.ca. Bell Let's Talk invites all Canadians to join the conversation on January 24, fostering a united front for mental health advocacy and contributing to the collective effort to "Let's Create Real Change."