September is Suicide Prevention Month
Raising awareness, eliminating stigma, and fostering connections between individuals and the mental health services available for suicide prevention
By Spark Kindness Team
Dear Spark Community,
September is National Suicide Prevention Month - an important opportunity for us to acknowledge and support those affected by suicide. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness, eliminating stigma, and fostering connections between individuals and the mental health services available to them.
Remember, you and your family are never alone —resources, supports, and compassionate care are available to you (many are listed below.) Please reach out if you or someone you know is in need.
In kindness and with care ~ The Spark Kindness Team
Featured Resources
- Article: Helping Kids Support a Friend with Suicidal Thoughts (from The Kids Mental Health Foundation)
- Podcast: How Can I Help My Depressed Teen? (from the Ask Lisa podcast with Dr. Lisa Damour)
- View additional Mental Health Resources here
Local MetroWest, MA Community Organizations and Resources
- Call2Talk is a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. It operates 24/7 and provides confidential, compassionate listening to assist people during stressful times. Call 508-532-2255 or 413-505-5111 or text CTC to 741741. More Resources Here
- MetroWest Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention works to assist our communities in their efforts to increase suicide prevention and awareness and reduce the incidence of suicide in our region. More Information Here
- Too often people experiencing mental health or emotional crises feel alone, but Advocates Adult & Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) team is always available to offer skilled, compassionate support and connections to resources and services during difficult times. 24 Hour Crisis Support: 800-640-5432. Read more here.
- “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency” provides important information outlining what can contribute to a crisis, warning signs, strategies to help de-escalate, available resources and more. Download in English here. Download in Spanish here.
- The grassroots work of the AFSP Massachusetts Chapter focuses on suicide prevention by delivering innovative prevention programs, providing educations to the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide. Learn more and view resources here.