09/04/2025
This sculpture above appeared in Bristol, England, back in 2020, to mark World Su***de Prevention Day. It features a teddy bear comforting someone. It serves as a stark reminder of the pain many people are going through and that help is always at hand.
In 2024, over 49,300 Americans died by su***de, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by su***de loss (often called “su***de loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.
September is National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month – a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We use this month to reach out to those affected by su***de, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss su***de prevention.
While su***de prevention is important to address year-round, Su***de Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength around a difficult topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and su***de, because just one conversation can change a life.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately. 💚
Photo credit:
***depreventionmonth
