National Suicide Prevention Week is recognized September 5 – September 11. With the overall theme of breaking the social stigmas against mental health awareness, it focuses on the protection of mental health and how to cope with uncertainty. In a time like now, during the era of Coronavirus, we have been faced with situations that have seemed both uncertain and taxing on our mental health. This year one of the main campaign goals is to educate and inform the public about the warning signs of suicide and how to prevent suicide. Additionally, it aims to help reduce stigmas surrounding suicide and to help encourage people to pursue assistance regarding their mental health. 

National Suicide Prevention Week, or NSPW, has been sponsored by The American Association of Suicidology since 1975. In the 1950’s, suicide prevention activities became prevalent in the United States. In 1958 the first suicide prevention center was founded in Los Angeles—however, a national strategy for suicide prevention would not be established until the mid-1990’s. 

When it comes to preventing suicide, many people find themselves wondering what they can do. First and foremost, it’s important to raise awareness for the week. There is a huge stigma against mental health and seeking assistance for it. Because of this, countless people suffer in silence and never seek out help because they fear these stigmas. The more that we talk about our own mental health issues openly, the more awareness we can bring to just how common these problems can be. One of the main goals for the campaign this year is to educate and inform people ways to prevent suicide and raise awareness for the mental health issues that come with it. By facilitating a proper amount of information to communities, the silence around mental health is shattered. 

Learn more about how to help your love ones: