September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Massachusetts for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 call or text 988 (Veterans: Press 1, Spanish Line: Press 2)
- Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention
- Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Resource Guides
- Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Empowerment (SAVE)
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training Guidance
- Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline (800) 327-5050
- Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (800) 426-1234
- Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention (800) 222-1222
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Massachusetts (800) 370-9085
- MassMEN
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
