September is Suicide Prevention Month. For the 4th year in a row, Lighting Up the Sky will be posting something every day this month.
This year, our emphasis will be on many notable people who have lost their lives to suicide. In between, we are reposting some prior posts from previoius Suicide Prevention Months posts. And we have some new content for you as well.
If you would like to learn more about suicide awareness and prevention and about just a few of the many lives that have been lost in this heartbreaking way - check back every day.
If you would like to learn more about suicide awareness and prevention and about just a few of the many lives that have been lost in this heartbreaking way - check back every day.
And you can make a difference in the fight against suicide too. Here are some ways your efforts can make a difference:
- Educate yourself. Learn more about the risk factors for suicide, and the signs that someone might be suicidal.
- Check out the leading organizations, research, and findings related to suicide prevention and awareness. Be prepared to have discussions about the public health crisis of suicide.
- Make a donation to one of more of the organizations that are making a difference in the fight against suicide.
- Tell someone that their life is important and that you are glad they are alive. You never know when your words will make a life-saving difference.
For more great ideas, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center has compiled a PDF with many 'Ideas for Action.' Review this information for yourself, or better yet - print it out and make copies and distribute to friends, family, and coworkers. Any effort you make is important.
On behalf of those who have lived through an attempt at suicide and those who have lost someone to suicide, know that whatever it is you do to observe this month - you are not alone, your life is important, and you are needed in this world.