NBSB Brings Awareness to National Suicide Prevention Month, Provides Resources
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and North Brookfield Savings Bank is bringing attention to the month-long campaign in an effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma around the topic, and encourage those in need to utilize available resources. With times of late being more challenging than ever, it is important that all organizations do their part to ensure the mental health and safety of community and family members.
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, this month is a designated time to share resources and stories, promote suicide prevention techniques, remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. North Brookfield Savings Bank has gathered these important resources surrounding the topic to help community members to stay informed.
Get Support
Having access to quick and helpful support is vital when someone is considering harming themselves. Here are some options to learn more.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or Chat Online
One of the easiest and effective ways to can help prevent suicide is to promote the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If someone you know is thinking about suicide, needs emotional support or resources, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support by phone or website chat feature across the U.S.
1-800-273-8255 I suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line also provides free, confidential, 24/7 support by text message. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, by connecting them to a Crisis Counselor, a trained volunteer. The reason for reaching out via text can be due to any painful emotion being experienced, not solely suicidal thoughts or concerns.
Simply text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. Initially two automated responses will respond while a Crisis Counselor is being connected. When they are connected, they will invite you to share a bit more so they can offer support.
To learn more about the Crisis Text Line visit crisistextline.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Helpline, Call to Text
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can be found online at nami.org and can be a vital resource for those trying to support an individual, or if they are themselves experiencing mental health struggles. They offer support and services along with NAMI Helpline which can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET.
Call 800-950-NAMI I Text NAMI to 741741
Massachusetts 2-1-1
Massachusetts 2-1-1 provides help for youth and families requiring assistance with difficult situations – from problems with drug abuse, behavior problems, to mental health and suicide concerns. Mass 2-1-1 is free, available 24/7, is anonymous and confidential, and is multilingual. Mass 2-1-1 staff will listen to your concerns, identify resources in your community that would aid with the problem at hand, provide you with contact details, and follow up after if given permission.
Dial 2-1-1 or call 877-211-MASS(6277)
Call2Talk
Call2Talk is a direct service of the United of Way of Tri-County, available 24/7. Calls are free and confidential. Call2Talk provides emotional support for those struggling with mental health concerns so they have a safe place to discuss their personal stories or emotional pain.
508-532-CALL(2255)
Ways to Help & Support the Movement
There are many ways you can help, whether it is spreading awareness about Suicide Prevention, checking in with a friend or reaching out to get help for yourself.
#BeThe1To Campaign
To help those in need, spread the word and make an impact by engaging in the #BeThe1To movement. Visit bethe1to.com to learn about becoming involved. You can start by using the hashtag #BeThe1To with the graphics found on their website and you can also learn the five action steps that can save a life and sharing them with others:
Five Steps That Can SAVE A LIFE
#BeThe1To
Ask the tough question,“are you thinking about hurting yourself?”, if you see someone emotionally struggling.
#BeThe1To KEEP THEM SAFE.
If you are concerned about a friend causing themselves harm, continue to talk to them to find out more. Remove anything that they could use to hurt themselves.
#BeThe1To BE THERE.
Listen to your friend when they open up, their reasons for feeling hopeless and in pain. Show compassion and empathy, and don’t be dismissive or judgmental.
#BeThe1To HELP THEM CONNECT.
Connect your friend to direct resources, such as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK(8255), family, friends, therapists, etc., so they have a network.
#BeThe1To FOLLOW UP.
Check in with the person regularly. Making contact with the person in the days and weeks following a crisis can make a big difference in supporting them and keeping them alive.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is the only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. They offer effective suicide prevention models designed to help develop and implement suicide prevention efforts in any setting. Additionally, the SPRC provides access to consultation, programs, and training, among other resources.
Learn about the many different ways you can help the suicide prevention movement with this comprehensive Suicide Prevention Month Ideas for Action resource from the SPRC.
Suicide Prevention Month Ideas for Action
Learn about Mental Health
Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness. You can learn more about depression, treatment options, and local resources by visiting mhanational.org.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. The organization is dedicated to saving lives and sharing hope to those affected by suicide. They support funding scientific research, educating the public, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention and by supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide in the community. They provide a vast amount of information on their website including how to get help, real life stories of people affected by suicide, and the latest stats on suicide. They can even connect you to your local chapter of AFSP.
Get help: afsp.org/get-help
Real stories: afsp.org/blog
AFSP Massachusetts: afsp.org/find-a-local-chapter
Learn the Facts: afsp.org/learn-the-facts
Join North Brookfield Savings Bank in continuing to spread awareness about National Suicide Prevention Month. All of us can make a difference by helping someone is struggling and bringing attention
