- ABC of Mental Health
- Posts
- Suicide Prevention
Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health—one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is Suicide Prevention, as September marks Suicide Prevention Month, an important time to raise awareness and offer support to those who may be struggling. We're bringing this to your inbox this Thursday to remind you that even the smallest actions can make a difference.
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One relevant recommendation:
We’ve shared above, an incredible message from Dan Reynolds, a survivor of depression and ankylosing spondylitis, offering words of hope and encouragement to those facing struggling with their physical and mental health. He draws on his own experiences to remind us that even when it gets really dark, they are never alone.
Two quotes on Hope and Healing:
J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, once shared her personal battle with mental health:
"Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."
Lady Gaga, a singer and mental health advocate, spoke about the importance of seeking help:
"If you see somebody that’s hurting, don’t look away. If you’re hurting, even though it might be hard, try to find that bravery within yourself and turn to someone you trust."
Three TherapyShorts from TST
Start a Conversation: If you're worried about someone, don't hesitate to ask them how they're doing. A simple, “Hey, I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down lately. Do you want to talk?” can open the door for them to share what they’re going through. Often people are ashamed to talk about their feelings or negative thoughts openly and struggle to bring them up.
Know the Warning Signs: Be aware of the signs that someone might be struggling — such as withdrawing from social connections, a lack of motivation to start or complete things, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or talking about being a burden. For example, if a friend suddenly becomes isolated, or starts cancelling on your plans/calls a lot, it may be time to check in.
Encourage Professional Support: Gently suggest that they reach out to a therapist or counsellor. You could say, “I know talking to someone has helped me before; maybe it could help you too?” Sometimes just knowing there are options makes a world of difference. (Sharing the video we recommended above of a popular personality turning their life around despite depression with the help of therapy and community might be a great resource too!)
A QUESTION?
Have you ever struggled with negative thoughts? If yes, what kind?
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
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