May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Here at Ambre Blends, we support advocacy for mental health awareness. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we have teamed up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to share important information to save lives and help open up real conversations about mental health.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has put together a Real Convo Guide all about how to start (and continue) a conversation about mental health. “You don’t need special training to have an open, authentic conversation about mental health – and often, just talking about it can be the first important step in understanding where someone is with their mental health, and helping them get support or treatment if needed.”
47,511 Americans die by suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. 12 million Americans have serious thoughts of suicide, and 1.379 million Americans attempted suicide. More investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year.
If you think someone is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Have an honest conversation:
- Talk to them in private, and tell you care.
- Listen to their story.
- Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems, or giving advice.
- It’s ok to ask directly about suicide.
- Encourage them to seek help or to contact their doctor or therapist.
What leads to suicide? There’s no single cause. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. There are risk factors and warning signs you can learn about from AFSP. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.
Looking for resources?
- Visit your primary care provider, mental health professional emergency department, or urgent care clinic.
- Find a mental health provider here.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), Veterans press 1.
- Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free 24/7.
- Call 911 for emergencies.
There are tools, resources, and creative ways to have real conversations with people in your life about mental health. Often, just talking about it can be the first important step in staying connected for yourself or someone else, and helping get support or treatment if needed. When someone is struggling, just listen. Let the other person share at their own speed. Don’t pass judgement or offer advice, just be there. We all experience mental health differently and that’s okay! Read the guides, share with friends, and discover real stories from AFSP here.