"….you are not the only one going through these problems or ideas...you can verbalize them and you can cope with them in a healthy way to get you through." – Survivor of a suicide attempt in his teens

 “...don't be afraid to talk about it....speak up. Doesn't matter if you know someone who is considering it, or if you are the person considering it. Go to everybody. Go to a complete stranger. Call someone. Doesn't even have to be anyone you know, especially if you're worried about someone you know freaking out on you. Call someone. There are people who are willing to sit there and listen, who can help." – A suicide attempt survivor who became a mental health advocate

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and National Suicide Prevention Week is September 9-15; a time to share resources and events and spotlight activities and actions people can take to help prevent the tragedy of suicide. Suicide does not discriminate – it can happen to anyone – but it can be prevented. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention and help people in emotional crisis. Together, we can all help prevent suicide.

Five ways you can get involved in suicide prevention in our community.

Walk.

Walk in memory of a loved one...to end stigma...to raise awareness.

• Saturday, September 22 – NAMI Northern Virginia's 10th Annual Walk for Mental Health
• Saturday, September 29 – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention "Out of the Darkness" Fairfax Walk

Act.

Participate in CSB community partner PRS Inc.’s #CallTextLive campaign throughout Suicide Prevention Month. PRS Inc., a mental health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention nonprofit that runs the local crisis hotline and textline, has a list of daily actions and activities to help inform and erase stigma of suicide.

Volunteer.

• The National Capital Area Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is looking for volunteers to help fulfill their mission to save lives and bring hope to people affected by suicide. Attend a meeting on August 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library (1015 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201) to connect with current AFSP volunteers/board members, and learn more about AFSP and the upcoming volunteer opportunities available in our area. Contact Bo Kim with questions.
• Help answer PRS CrisisLink’s 24-hour hotlines. Apply online.

Learn.

• Read the warning signs of suicide.
• Sign up for one of CSB's Mental Health First Aid training courses.

Join the fight.

Get involved in the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN). A partnership of the CSBs in the Northern Virginia region and PRS Inc., SPAN promotes confidential, online mental health screenings and important mental health resources.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, background, or income; it is the third leading cause of death among young people in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, reach out for help right away. Remember: suicide can be prevented.

Resources available 24/7 include:

• CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
• Text "CONNECT" to 855-11 to contact PRS CrisisLink.
• Call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077.