May is Mental Health Awareness Month
The #TalkAwayTheDark campaign has educated people across the country on how to spot the warning signs for suicide and begin a conversation that lets someone who needs support know that help is available.
This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is deepening our message to provide guidance on how to connect someone to help when they feel hesitant to receive support: sharing how to validate the fears and feelings of a person in crisis, letting them know you hear them, and reassuring them there is no shame in getting support for a matter involving their health.
On this page, you will find the #TalkAwayTheDark film, which illustrates some of the common risk factors for suicide, including a new #RealConvo Guide, “Connecting Someone to Help (When They’re Hesitant);” our library of #RealConvo Guides providing practical information on how to have caring, impactful conversations about mental health and suicide; social sharables and other resources to help spread the word; enlightening stories and perspectives; events; a chance to share your story with us; and much more. Thank you for playing an important role in bringing suicide out of the shadows, as together, we #TalkAwayTheDark.
Talking is the first step to preventing suicide.
We might worry that saying the wrong thing will make it worse. So, we end up not saying anything – even though a few kind words can make the difference in connecting someone to help or supporting someone who experienced a suicide loss.
It's time we shed a light on this leading cause of death.
It's time
we talk away the dark.
How to Talk Away the Dark
Suicide is a topic that hides in the shadows. All too often it goes unaddressed, even when we may sense someone is struggling.
You can make a difference by learning the warning signs, knowing the risk factors, and bravely having a REAL open and honest conversation with someone you care about. Learn more with AFSP's tools, resources and creative ways to help #TalkAwayTheDark.
Share
Talk Away the
Dark.
Become a part of the campaign by sharing resources like images, videos, and social media carousels.
Help us spread the word as we help others Talk Away the Dark.