By Celena McCray of We R Native

Suicide is a troubling topic that most of us would rather not deal with, but suicide is a reality, and it is more common than we would like to think. By paying attention to warning signs, talking about the “unthinkable,” getting connected with family, friends and our culture – we may be able to help a friend in a time of need.

Each September you can join We R Native in supporting National Suicide Prevention Month and this year’s Suicide Prevention Week is September 9-15, 2018. By educating our friends and family about suicide and mental illness we can spread the word that suicide CAN BE PREVENTED. To get help or give help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text START to 741741 to chat via text.

Get started by reading a few of these articles. Educate yourself about suicide and warning signs:

• Friend Post Something Concerning?
• Deliberate self harm
• When your friend is talking about suicide
• When someone takes their own life: how you might feel
• Wanting to end your life
• Suicide warning signs
• National suicide prevention lifeline

Then, take action and spread the word that suicide CAN BE PREVENTED! Here’s what you can do:

• Organize a candlelight ceremony or walk to remember those who have died by suicide.
• Organize a cultural or spiritual event to raise awareness about suicide.
• Organize a training at your school on suicide and depression…host a QPR training or TeenScreen event.
• Visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s (IASP) webpage for more information, fact sheets, and World Suicide Prevention day events worldwide: iasp.info
• Create a video about suicide prevention and post it on We R Native.
• Apply for a We R Native mini-grant of up to $475 to host a World Suicide Prevention month activity. Learn more and apply here