Your Own Hero's Journey: AFSP Suicide Prevention Resource Gu

This story involves a young woman who recently experienced a suicidal crisis, got

help, and survived.

Though it is a tale of supernatural fiction, it is very much inspired by real life

experiences of the co-writer and her family.

The fact is, we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health – and no one should ever feel shame about whatever feelings they experience. It’s important to be open and honest about what we’re going through. One in five people experience some sort of mental health challenge every year. Reaching out for help when we need it, and being there for others when we notice they might be struggling, is a

strong, responsible thing to do.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has created the

#RealConvo Guides, which provide down-to-earth guidance on how to have

confident, caring conversations about mental health, whether it’s normalizing it

as part of our everyday lives, talking to someone in distress, or having a sensitive, supportive conversation with someone who’s lost a loved one to suicide.

You can find the #RealConvo Guides at afsp.org/TalkAwaytheDark. There is

other important information you can also find on AFSP’s website, including what

the scientific research tells us about suicide; education programs you can bring to your community; support for those who’ve lost someone, such as the Healing Conversations program; how to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention;

join an Out of the Darkness Walk, and connect with your local AFSP chapter.

If you’re worried about someone, please trust your instinct and assume you might

be the only person to reach out. Research shows that asking someone directly if they’re thinking about suicide is always the right thing to do. It won’t “put the idea in their head” or cause them to take their life. In most cases, they’ll be relieved that someone cares enough to have noticed and say something. 

If you or someone else is in crisis, you can get help or advice by calling or texting 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by contacting the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 to talk to someone who can help.

You are not alone, and your life is important.