California Insurance Lawyer Blog
September 6 – 12, 2020 is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) annual National Suicide Prevention Week. This year’s message is: #KeepGoing. AFSP reminds us all that there are simple things we can each do in order to protect and safeguard our mental health, and that together, we can make a difference on the mental health of our community and those around us. . . and…together we can #KeepGoing!
As someone who overcame years of contemplating suicide as an option, and as who has lost too many people to suicide to name herein, suicide prevention is personal to me –as I am sure it is to many of you reading this. So, please do what feels right to you this National Suicide Prevention Week –get involved in ways that nourish your Self and soul. ~ And, please, most importantly: if you are struggling with ideas of taking your life or completing suicide…please do not follow-through. I know how it feels like the only option. But I am here to tell you that I will never regret not following through on the thoughts. There is hope for you – hope for your brighter days ahead and for a life free from thinking that the world would be better off without you. Indeed, you are very necessary. Get help today if you need help -you deserve it.
During this week of advocacy, education, story sharing, remembrance and more, AFSP encourages us to:
- Learn the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling;
- Advocate for smart suicide prevention legislation;
- Have a #RealConvo about your own or others’ mental health; and
- Bring education programs to your community.
All in all –we are encouraged to learn new ways to help each other save lives. Together, we will #KeepGoing.
AFSP’s National Suicide Prevention Week Events Include:
TWO DAYS OF #KeepGoing Streaming on Tiltify
ALL DAY EVENT ON BOTH DAYS
September 5TH AND September 13TH
SEPTEMBER 8TH Twitter Chat
Led by @afspnational and co-hosted with American Association of Suicidology, JED Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Movember Foundation, Human Rights Campaign
September 8TH @ 2 pm EST
Follow along with #KeepGoing
SEPTEMBER 10TH World Suicide Prevention Day
ALL DAY EVENT
Self Care is for Everyone Instagram Live with Doreen Marshall
September 10TH @ 1 pm EST
Follow on Instagram
SEPTEMBER 10TH World Suicide Prevention Day Twitter Chat
September 10TH @ 2 pm ET
Hosted by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and co-hosted by @afspnational
SEPTEMBER 10TH Allies in Action Live Awards Ceremony
September 10TH @ 3 pm EST
Follow along with @AFSPnational on Facebook
AFSP’s Website Also Offers A Host Of Opportunities To Get Involved With Their Programming To Help Save Lives, As Well As Resources For Those Impacted By Suicide.
You can find information on their website for:
#realconvo – Have a #RealConvo. You don’t need special training to have an open, authentic conversation about mental health. Often, just talking about it can be the first important step in understanding someone and helping them get support or treatment if needed.
Mental Health & COVID-19 Digital Toolkit – We are amid an unprecedented public health crisis, yet we also have an extraordinary opportunity to come together within our families and our communities to reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health.
Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention – The Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention provides a thorough plan for school districts to implement suicide prevention policies in their community.
Suicide Prevention Resources – Find resources for suicide prevention for your or someone you know.
More Than Sad – More Than Sad has taught over a million students and educators how to be smarter about mental health.
It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health – It’s Real is a documentary featuring the stories of six college students from across the country.