Kicking Off Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: It’s OK to Say Suicide

As we enter Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, The Jed Foundation (JED) is dedicated to breaking the silence and encouraging open, honest conversations about suicide. This September, our It’s OK to Say Suicide campaign is here to remind everyone that talking about suicide can be the first step toward getting help and saving lives.

It’s OK to Say Suicide

If the word “suicide” makes you uncomfortable — whether you’re thinking about it, worried someone you know may be considering it, or just unsure how to talk about it — we want you to know it’s OK to say it. Being able to talk about suicide can open the door for people to get the help they need.

Our It’s OK to Say Suicide landing page offers a comprehensive set of resources to support these crucial conversations. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Educational resources: Learn how to recognize the signs of suicide, understand risk factors, and explore protective measures. Knowledge is a powerful tool in suicide prevention.
• Video stories: Watch the documentary “Each and Every Day,” in which nine young adults share how talking about suicide and asking for help saved their lives.
• Actionable steps: Access practical advice on how to start conversations about suicide, seek help, and support others.

Upcoming Webinar: Let’s Talk: Understanding Suicide and Finding Support

We are excited to announce a special webinar on Sept. 16, Let’s Talk: Understanding Suicide and Finding Support. The event will feature Christine Yu Moutier, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Jocelyn Meza, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in Residence in the Psychiatry Department at UCLA; and student researcher José Caballero. It will be moderated by JED’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth.

Webinar Details

• Date: Sept. 16, 2024
• Time: 2 to 3 p.m. ET
• Register and submit questions for the panelists here.

What to Expect

• Evidence-based insights: Learn from top suicidologists about the latest research and approaches to suicide prevention.
• Expert answers: Submit your questions and get them answered in a safe and supportive environment.
• Practical guidance: Discover actionable steps to support yourself and others in preventing suicide.

Talking about suicide can be challenging, but it is a critical step in prevention. By fostering open dialogue and providing reliable information, we can help dismantle the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. 

How You Can Get Involved

1. Visit the campaign page: Explore the resources on our It’s OK to Say Suicide landing page.
2. Register for the webinar: Join us on Sept. 16 for an insightful discussion on suicide prevention.
3. Use and share resources: Share the resources and videos from our campaign page to start life saving conversations.
4. Spread the word: Share our campaign and webinar details on social media using the hashtag #ItsOKtoSaySuicide.
5. Support JED’s lifesaving work: Your gift today means we can continue helping schools nationwide foster an environment that prioritizes youth mental health with care and compassion. Another great way to make a difference is by launching your own DIY fundraising campaign. Find inspiring ideas and tips to get started. 

Need Help Now?
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, text, call, or chat 988 Lifeline, or text HOME (or HOLA) to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. You’ll be connected with a trained counselor, and they can also connect you to mental health services in your area. The line is available 24/7 for people in crisis and those who support people in crisis. You can also explore our crisis resources page for more information and options for support. 

If you are struggling, there is good help available. Reach out for it.