Engaging in honest conversations about mental health and suicide helps reduce stigma
By Angela Cowan • JFCS Counseling Program Manager
Throughout the month of September, you may notice #YouMatterMN and #StartTheConversation popping up on social media platforms. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and these hashtags are a call to action to engage in statewide and nationwide conversations on mental health, mental illness, and suicide.
According to data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. We know that not talking about mental health, mental illness, and suicide perpetuates stigma. Stigma surrounding suicide not only impacts individuals thinking about, planning, and/or acting on thoughts of suicide, but it extends to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Engaging in open and honest conversations about mental health, mental illness, and suicide can help reduce stigma and increase the likelihood that someone reaches out for help.
It can be hard to know how to engage in these conversations, so here are some resources and ideas to help:
- Attend Suicide Prevention Learning Opportunities
- Learn tips on starting the conversation at Seize the Awkward – Starting the Conversation
- Check in with your mental health at My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?
- Check out Stories of Hope and Recovery
- Check out Roadmap to Friends Supporting Friends
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please dial 9-8-8 or text MN to 741 741 to speak with a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or stressors, you can contact a Minnesota warm line. You do not need to be in crisis to call a warm line. The Minnesota Warm Line for Peer Support can be reached between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. at 844-739-0369. The Mental Health Minnesota warm line can be contacted Mondays through Saturdays between noon and 10 p.m. at 1-877-404-3190.
The 24th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference (MHEC) will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at Temple Israel (2323 Fremont Ave. S., Minneapolis). The goal of this conference is to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide comfort to those in need. Click here for more information and to register!