Heather’s Top 5 Ways to Support Suicide Prevention Month

You've probably heard me talking a lot about suicide awareness and prevention lately. It's important to me because not only have I personally struggled with feelings of low self-worth that led me to question my place in this world, but I've lost family and friends who chose to take their own lives.

I'm planning to attend the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of Darkness event from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 on the Ventnor Boardwalk — and I'd love to have you join me. There are several other ways you can get involved in September for National Suicide Prevention Month; here are my top five:

1) Get social. Click here and then select "Share" to find several colorful graphics appropriate for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram that raise awareness, fight the stigma against mental health care and provide resources for those who might need help. Sharing one or several of them on social media just might help someone rethink their poor attitude about mental health or get them in touch with resources they or a friend or family member needs.

2) Learn about suicide risk factors — and how to talk with someone who might be struggling. You might not encounter someone who is at risk for suicide today, or tomorrow, but educating yourself on what to look for and how to start the conversation will only help prepare you for the day when it arrives. Read about the signs and risk factors here.

3) Take your education a step further. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has tons of educational materials on their website, including programs geared toward students, teachers, parents and medical professionals. Learn more here.

4) Gear up. AFSP offers t-shirts, water bottles and other gear with their logo and key suicide awareness messages. The more visible these messages are, the more effective they will be. And you never know if seeing a t-shirt will spark a conversation that could break down mental health stigmas or encourage someone to seek help.

5) Volunteer. Share your talents with your local AFSP chapter; find the chapter nearest you here.

Some of the statistics about suicide are pretty somber; on average, there are 129 suicides per day, according to AFSP. Even doing just one thing to raise awareness and support prevention this month can help reduce that number. If we all chip in, think of the difference we can make.