This article was originally posted by Change Matrix (CM) partner the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC). Find the original here.
In September, we come together nationwide in observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This September, for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we invite you to T.A.L.K. More: Take Action with Love and Kindness. Recognize the power you have, and T.A.L.K. with youth and families around you!
The NTTAC Team is committed to supporting the mental health of children, youth, and families during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and beyond. As part of that commitment, we want to make it easy for you to T.A.L.K. More. Below, you can explore our special collection of resources. The collection is divided into two sections: one for children, youth, and families, and the other for professionals in the system of care. We hope you use these resources and share them with your networks—sharing information is a great way to T.A.L.K. More!
And, if you want to share even more information than what you see below, check out this Social Media Toolkit on Suicide Prevention from the Texas Department of Families and Protective Services. It contains social media posts, resources, and graphics that you can use to raise awareness about maintaining good mental health.
Take the Pledge
Preventing suicide may sound intimidating, but getting started is simpler than you may realize. Take our quick suicide prevention pledge and post on social media (#TALKmore22) with a sign saying: “I took the pledge!” Then, put your pledge into practice!
The NTTAC T.A.L.K. More Pledge:
I pledge to T.A.L.K. (Take Action with Love and Kindness) More! I will learn the suicide warning signs. I will check in with anyone I’m worried about, and will offer support, not judgment. I will help create a safe space where it is okay to T.A.L.K. about mental health!
Download and Share the Pledge on Social Media
National Suicide Prevention Numbers and Chat Lines
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org/chat
- Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: llama al 988 o envía un texto al 988, o chat via https://988lifeline.org/chat (en inglés)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing: for TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth): 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit TrevorChat (www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now)
- The National Parent Hotline is a 24/7 crisis line offering emotional support to parents