September is Suicide Prevention Month: a time for reflection, awareness, and action. This month serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental healthcare. It also highlights breaking the stigma around mental illness. Additionally, it underscores the need to support those who struggle. I am part of a community that promotes all of the above: Still I Run.
I joined Still I Run about a year after it was founded in 2016. I found a community of runners on Facebook who were making mental health visible and breaking the stigma one mile at a time. My first interaction with Still I Run was participating in their Run Streak for Mental Health Awareness in 2017. In late 2019 I started a local Still I Run chapter. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut all group activities down, our running group went with it. I applied and was chosen to be a Still I Run ambassador in 2022. This year, I re-launched our local chapter with the help of my co-captain.
There are lots of ways that you can get involved in raising awareness and taking action during Suicide Prevention Month.
- Share your story. I have struggled with depression, suicidal thoughts, and more recently exploring a possible ADHD diagnosis. Two classmates of mine in high school died by suicide. Their deaths continue to impact me to this day, over 20 years later. That is why Suicide Prevention Month is so important to me.
- Join a local Still I Run chapter. As of today, there are 13 local run chapters across the United States. You can find out more about local chapters of Still I Run here. Can’t find one near you? Start one!
- Support the cause. Still I Run provides several programs that promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The Starting Line Scholarship, Run Chapters, Ambassador Program, Run.Write.Fight. Program, and Team Still I Run are all ways that Still I Run works to directly impact those around us. These programs depend on support and donations to continue their mission.
- Promote the movement. Talk about Suicide Prevention Month (September), Suicide Prevention Week (9/8/2024-9/14/2024), and World Suicide Prevention Day (9/10/2024). Many organizations offer infographics that can be shared on social media. Spread the word about Still I Run and its mission.
A symbol used in the Still I Run logo is the semicolon. A semicolon is used when a sentence could end, but instead, the author chooses to continue. Project Semicolon was founded in 2013. It encourages those who struggle with mental illness, including suicidal ideation, to use a semicolon as a symbol that their story isn’t over yet. Still I Run, Project Semicolon, and other mental health organizations offer ways to solve mental health challenges. They make these challenges visible and support those who struggle.
Still, even with the support of organizations like these, there may be times when you need immediate help. Someone you know might also need help. It’s crucial to reach out and use available resources. Here are some valuable resources for those in need of support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): Call 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org for confidential support 24/7.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message, available 24/7.
- Samaritans (UK and Ireland): Call 116 123 for free, confidential support available 24/7.
- Lifeline Australia: Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- International Resources: For support in other countries, visit Befrienders Worldwide to find local helplines and resources.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. There are people who are ready to help you. You can advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness in many ways. One way is participating in one of Still I Run’s programs. Another way is proudly displaying the semicolon symbol. There are many other organizations out there with ideas for advocating for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Every effort makes a difference in creating a more supportive world for mental health
RD on the Run 