The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) recognizes the month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month. National Suicide Prevention Week is the week after Labor Day.
“Suicide prevention is important every day of the year. National Suicide Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented.” – AFSP
• For information about AFSP: https://afsp.org
Message from the USO (United Service Organizations):
“Tragically, suicide rates among active-duty service members and veterans have risen dramatically in recent years. Service members are four times more likely to die by suicide than in conflict. Many of the realities of a service member’s day-to-day life, such as time away from their loved ones, dangerous conditions, an uncertain future, isolation and stress, are factors that we know can contribute to depression and thoughts of suicide.
This is a serious problem and not one that can be easily fixed — but by acknowledging it and continuing to do everything we can to support our service members, we can make a difference. Supporting service members’ mental health is at the heart of everything we do at the USO — from building a community, to showing them they are not alone, to creating programs that help them handle and cope with deployment, PTSD, financial management and other challenges.
Having a safe, supportive environment plays a key role in suicide prevention. USO Centers are strategically located in airports and military installations all around the world to give our service members a welcoming space to use however they’d like — from mentally regrouping to calling loved ones to just being themselves — no matter where their service takes them.
Isolation is known to be a key contributor to depressive and suicidal thoughts. Programs like USO Operation Phone Home® and the Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program keep service members connected to their loved ones no matter where they are in the world.
USO Warrior and Family Centers offer therapeutic activities tailored to service members recovering from physical injuries, PTSD and other ailments. Classes in art, music, yoga and cooking have been proven to help service members express themselves and reduce anxiety.
By letting our service members know they have the support and gratitude of the American people, we can help build a stronger sense of community and reduce isolation. Right now, this feels more important than ever.”
• For information about the USO (United Service Organizations): https://www.uso.org