September's Spotlight on Mental Health
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September is a busy month for generating awareness on mental health issues. Every year, SAMHSA sponsors it as National Recovery Month as a way to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues and to celebrate those in recovery. This year, the theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!” People in recovery are encouraged to share their personal journeys and connect with others on SAMHSA’s forum.
The second week of September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Week to help promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide, the third leading cause of death among young people. On September 10, 2016, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day to connect individuals affected by suicide and to raise awareness on suicidal ideation and the treatment services available.
There are a variety of events and awareness campaigns taking place around the country that you can be a part of. Below are some ideas to get you started:
Download and share the infographics we created: Suicide Prevention: Facts and Risks and Suicide Prevention: Facts and Risks for Youth
Check out SAMHSA's event calendar to find out what's happening in your area for National Recovery Month.
Download SAMHSA’s Recovery Month Toolkit or EachMindMatters Suicide Prevention Activity Tip Sheet for ideas on reaching out to your community and spread awareness around these issues.
Download the Know the Signs Campaign Toolkit Catalog to view the resources and materials available for suicide prevention.
Use one of the Active Minds social media post suggestions as a guide for starting the conversation within your own community on Facebook or Twitter.
Take NAMI’s Stigmafree pledge and share the link with others in your community.
