We believe the negative stigma surrounding mental health can change. Our goal is that the conversation about depression and suicide would be encouraging and honest, that those who need help could attain it, that people who struggle would know they are not alone. But this won’t happen overnight, nor will it be achieved through one person. One of the goals of National Suicide Prevention Week is to inform and enable groups of people to actively pursue such change—together. Which is why we asked you…

HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY WORKING TO CHANGE THE STIGMAS OF MENTAL HEALTH?

“By participating in the Stride to Prevent Suicide 5k held in our community and raising awareness about suicide, it’s no longer a “dirty word.” - Stephanie, 34

“Personally, I have become open about what I’ve struggled with. Depression, anxiety, self-harm… All it takes is one person to tell someone they’re not alone.”

“We can do this by promoting weeks like National Suicide Prevention Week and educating people of the giant effect that it has on the world.”

“I’m studying to become a professional counselor, and I try to correct stigmatizing attitudes and statements when I hear them. I’ve also done an Out of the Darkness community walk, and I would like to do another one.” - Katie, 24

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Nearly one million people die by suicide every year—and for each life lost, there is a family and community greatly impacted. Suddenly, they are confronted not only with the loss of a loved one, but the persistent questions that fill their absence. The answers may never come—but we believe the questions themselves unite us and are reason enough to strive to change the numbers, to try to stop another life from ending. During National Suicide Prevention Week, we pause to look back so that we might better move forward.

HAVE YOU EVER LOST SOMEONE TO SUICIDE? HOW DID THAT AFFECT YOU?

“Yes, my cousin. I still don’t know why, and it still hurts. It also made me more determined to be there for anyone and to get the word out that this is a serious issue.”

“My brother was my first best friend. I still can’t understand how he is no longer here. It has been over a year, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. I never knew that he was so sad and felt so hopeless.”

“I spent high school and college sleeping with my phone beneath my pillow, constantly feeling like I had to be there as a lifeline. TWLOHA has helped me to help them, but to also seek the help that I needed for myself—especially when it came time for me to step back and connect my friends directly to help.” - Jessica, 22

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