September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month according to National Alliance on Mental Illness.

NAMI reports that each year, more than 41,0000 people die by suicide. That is 41,0000 individuals too many that should die.

Mental illness and suicide is preventable and needs to be discussed more because your health is one of your most important values. There is a stigma around it that makes it difficult for others to seek help. People are categorized and shamed at times for having mental health illnesses as being weak when it takes strength to seek help.

Throughout the past few years, the stigma has begun to fall as organizations and young people on media share their experiences and accept others in doing the same. Organizations like NAMI and The Buddy Project give information on different types of mental illness, ways to help individuals you know in help, resources and outlets in sharing your voice. September gives a broader platform for people that may not have opportunities to discuss it or know what mental illnesses are.

Mental illnesses should be taken seriously as much as physical illnesses are. People tell you to go see a doctor if you have cancer or broke an arm, but will not tell you to seek help if you feel depressed. Just because something is not seen by the eye, does not always mean it is not true.

I know what it's like to feel alone and like a burden, I know what it feels like to not want to live another day. I have felt these battles of depression. But I am here today writing ways to seek help and tell you that this will not be the end. We all have obstacles in life to face, there is no one way that is right in how you deal with them. You may think that suicide is the option, but mental health survivors that have attempted have said that in the moments of them doing that they want to live.

This September, please check on your loved ones and ask how they’re doing. Practice self-care and take mental health days when you need it. Understand the signs such as isolating yourself, loss of interest, mood swings, loss of appetite in others and yourself. The more education and exposure to the realities of mental illnesses, the more normalized it will become. This will break the stigma and more people will feel that they can speak up and get help.

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Locator

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA):

Mental Health America

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Your local University or community medical office for counseling and support.