September is National Suicide Prevention Month

This year, our theme for Suicide Prevention Month is centered around "Strength in Community." We are excited to share information and resources throughout September to promote positive, supportive conversations about suicide prevention in our communities.

Join the Lock and Talk Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Campaign:

Share the Lock and Talk Media Release with valuable resources to help prevent suicide in your community.
Post one of the Lock and Talk Key Messages to your social media platforms using the Lock and Talk Social Media Toolkit. Be sure to also include and share your local community resources.
Listen to and share the Lock and Talk Suicide Prevention Awareness Radio Ad.

For Virginia CSBs and community partners

You may share these posts on your own social media platforms or simply share them from the Lock and Talk Virginia Facebook and Instagram pages.

Key messages to share throughout the month:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States.

In Virginia, one person dies by suicide every seven hours.

Suicide IS preventable. Learn the warning signs and important steps to keep individuals safe by visiting this page.

Connect to help today. Visit lockandtalk.org/September for more information and resources.

#strengthincommunity #lockmeds #lockguns #talksafety #lockandtalk

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#BeThe1To Campaign shares 5 key actions steps when communicating with someone who may be having thoughts of suicide.

‍Ask the question. Being direct helps communicate that you are open to talking to them in a non-judgemental way.‍
Listen to them. Be open, honest, and genuine.‍
Help keep them safe. Help secure medications, firearms, or other lethal means. Put time and distance between those means and the suicidal indiviudal.‍
Connect them to help. There are resources available 24/7. Help that individual contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or your local Community Services Board.‍
Follow up. After communicating with an individual experiencing thoughts of suicide and connecting them to the appropriate supports, it is important that they continue to feel connected, seen, and valued. Send a message, make a call, or send a note that shows you care.

Learn more information on strategies for safety and resources available in your community by visiting https://lockandtalk.org/september

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As a community, we need to strive to remove the stigma associated with suicide.

Such stigma prevents those in need from accessing the help they deserve and it can have a negative impact on treatment outcomes.

Together, we can work to have positive conversations around suicide to improve attitudes, address myths, and increase positive help-seeking behaviors among those that need support.

Visit lockandtalk.org/september for more information and resources.

#strengthincommunity #suicidepreventionmonth #lockmeds #lockguns #talksafety #lockandtalk

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While you are supporting and helping someone who may be in crisis, it is especially important for you to also take care of yourself.

#BeThe1To shares tips and resources to help you practice self-care. Check out the link provided for self-care tips and strategies.

Visit www.lockandtalk.org for more information and wellness tips.

#selfcare #strengthincommunity #lockandtalk

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Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

Suicide is preventable. We, as a community, can make a difference!

Visit lockandtalk.org/september for more information and resources.

#bethere #reachout #lockmeds #lockguns #talksafety #lockandtalk

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In the United States, 3.7 million veterans reported a mental wellness issue or substance use disorder in 2018.

Below are ways to help yourself or a loved one you may be concerned about:

Do not leave someone in an emotional crisis alone.
Look, listen and learn. Look for signs that someone is at risk for suicide.
Access mental health care.
Utilize positive coping skills.
Reach out to people in your unit, at work, or friends and family that make you feel safe.
Find assistance when transitioning from military to civilian life.
Consider securing access to high rooftops. Remove or lock poisonous household or auto chemicals.
Secure access to lethal means such as firearms and medications.

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, contact National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1 or text "Hello" to the Veterans Crisis Textline: 838255

For more information and resources, visit www.lockandtalk.org

#strengthincommunity #lockandtalk

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Repeat or extended deployments and change of station can cause stress to military families.

Deployments and repetitive moving can negatively impact the mental health of children. Studies show that children of deployed parents have more behavioral issues than children of non-deployed parents.

Additionally, caregivers of military families report struggling with mental wellness at a higher rate than non-caregivers, and are at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety.

It is important to recognize these signs and symptoms and connect to help early.

Contact your local Community Services Board, your local Veteran’s Mental Health Treatment Facility or Military OneSource for support today.

Visit www.lockandtalk.org for more information and resources.

#strengthincommunity #bethere #talkopenly #lockmeds #lockguns #talksafety #lockandtalk

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