Monthly Spotlight September 2023: AFSP, A Deeper Dive
By Michelle Lunger
This month is Suicide Prevention Month, and today is Suicide Prevention Day! This month is especially important for us at RTW because some of us have lost loved ones close to us or have known of others who have been affected by suicide. In honor of today and this month we decided to do a deeper dive into an organization that we have already written about and fully support and stand by. The organization we chose is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). AFSP is a great organization to support this month because as an organization, they are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide (survivors, family, friends, and communities). AFSP is a great resource to educate yourself and others about suicide and learn your role in suicide prevention, not only this month but year round. It is also a great resource to provide support for those affected by suicide in any way. We love that AFSP is making a lasting impact by not only spreading awareness, but also advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention as well as funding scientific research. We at RTW recognize that awareness is important but to make lasting change, we need to make changes to policies, systemic health care, accessibility, stigma, and the way mental health is viewed in the world and society.
On AFSP’s site, you can read real stories of those affected by suicide through their “Talk Away the Dark” section on their website. There, they shed light on safe storytelling guidelines on how to approach the topic of suicide as well as how to open up the dialogue surrounding mental health. They also provide great resources for those who do not always know how to respond to this kind of topic. They share how to help, support, and talk to someone who is thinking about suicide and how to talk to a suicide loss survivor. Overall, AFSP’s site is easy to navigate and it helps you find the best resources tailored to your needs. Whether you are looking to get help (find treatment options, support groups, or just need mental health support), want to make a difference in suicide prevention and the mental health community, or just want to educate yourself and others about suicide and mental health.
To raise on-going awareness for suicide, AFSP hosts “Out of the Darkness Walks.” The walks include community and campus walks, as well as an overnight walk from dusk to dawn, which rotates cities each year. Joining AFSP’s walk is a great way to advocate for suicide prevention and awareness, raise funds, and ultimately support those affected by suicide, letting them know that they are not alone.
Overall, we at RTW feel connected and fully support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in their mission to save lives, raise awareness, and open the dialogue surrounding the topic of suicide and mental health. We hope that you can use AFSP as a resource for support; whether you, your loved ones, or others need it. Join us as we support AFSP and Suicide Prevention Month! Lastly, if you are in crisis you can call 988 or text TALK to 741741. After calling or texting, you will be connected with a counselor who is trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis, emotional distress, and connect you to resources. We know how difficult mental health battles can be as each of us at RTW has dealt with and continues to deal with our own struggles. Just remember, you are so loved and you are not alone.
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Learn More About AFSP:
