Suicide Awareness: Lifeline Phone 1 800 273 TALK (8255) · Crisis Text Line 741741 · American Fdn. Suicide Prevention · New Jersey Hope and Healing
NAMI.org New Jersey Virtual Fundraiser · Music: “Brother” by Aurin
Source: American Foundation For Suicide Prevention (AFSP.org)
The grassroots work of the New Jersey chapter of the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention (AFSP) focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering innovative prevention programs; educating the public about risk factors and warning signs; raising funds for suicide research and programs; and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
In the era of Covid-19, as we all try to protect our mental health and cope with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we be there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide. You don’t have to be a mental health professional — there are simple things we can all do to safeguard our mental health, and you don’t have to do it alone.
From learning the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling, to advocating for smart suicide prevention legislation, to having a #RealConvo about your own or others’ mental health, to bringing education programs to your community, we can all learn new ways to help each other save lives. Together, we can #KeepGoing.
AFSP shares tools, resources and creative ways to have a #RealConvo with the people in your life. You don’t need special training to have an open, authentic conversation about mental health. Often, just talking about it can be the first important step in staying connected for yourself or someone else and helping get support or treatment if needed.
Quick Tips for having a #RealConvo:
– When someone is struggling, just listen
– Let the other person share at their own speed
– Don’t pass judgement or offer advice; just be there
– Remember that we all experience mental health differently
– Follow up by checking back in
– Offer to connect them to professional help