September is National Suicide Prevention Month and National Celebrate Recovery Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, persons with lived experience, and community members unite to promote prevention and recovery awareness.
———-
National Suicide Prevention Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans on the suicide epidemic our nation is experiencing, advocate for prevention, and support creating pathways to wellness.
Suicide is one of the most preventable types of death in our nation. However,
- Suicide currently ranks as the second leading cause of death for ages 10-45
- An average of 123 deaths by suicide occur each day in this country
- Suicide is one of the fastest-growing epidemics around the world
- Approximately 44,000 people in the U.S. alone die by suicide each year
Fortunately, in recent years, society has become more open and receptive to discussions and conversations on mental health and suicide. However, there is still a stigma surrounding it, and with suicide rates increasing, it means that the right help is not reaching people on time. We have a long way to go.
Understand that thoughts of suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, culture, or social status. While it is commonly linked to depression and substance use, there is no foolproof indicator of what makes someone consider suicide. Many people who experience mental and behavioral health, substance use disorders, and/or thoughts of suicide…. often cover them up quite well.
All of us play a role in creating awareness, reducing the causes of, and preventing suicide.
- Get involved.
- Share your story.
- Listen to those who have recovered, those that still need help, and mental health advocates, survivors, friends, family, and mental health organizations across the country and around the world that share their experiences and work towards eradicating this most tragic act.
- Advocate for change
- Reach out for support when needed.
———-
Suicide Prevention and Recovery go hand in hand.
———-
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental health and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.
Recovery month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate health improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. This observance reinforces the positive message that mental health and behavioral health are essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
Managing one’s mental health is an important part of one’s overall well-being. With that, we must understand that recovery is a process in which people work to improve and maintain their health & wellness, live self-directed lives, find their resiliency, and strive reach their full potential.
- Learn more about recovery and resiliency
- Share your story.
- Listen to those who have recovered, those that still need help, and mental health advocates, survivors, friends, family, and mental health organizations across the country and around the world that share their experiences and work towards reducing stigma.
- Advocate for change
- Visit a recovery event
- Raise awareness on resources
- Reach out for support when needed
Recovery belongs to all of us. It’s for Every Person, Every Family, Every Community. Recovery Month, is an opportunity for each of us to help raise awareness & understanding of mental health, behavioral health, emotional health, substance use disorders, and suicide prevention.
———-
As you move through your recovery journey and work towards your path to wellness, know that there are mental health professionals available to talk with at the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (855-662-7474), and the Peer-to-Peer Warmline (855-466-7100).
