American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

It's time we talk away the dark. Suicide is a topic that hides in the shadows. All too often it goes unaddressed, even when we may sense someone is struggling. It’s time we shed some light on this leading cause of death. In our brand new national public service announcement, we highlight some of the common warning signs for suicide and encourage you to start an open and honest conversation with someone you care about, and connect those at risk to help. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eRFw8efK. #TalkAwayTheDark #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #StopSuicide

Suicide is a complex health condition that needs specialized attention. AFSP-funded researcher Dr. Brian Ahmedani raises awareness that we already know how to reduce suicide in healthcare systems, but need to put it into practice. #Science2StopSuicide

Loretta Marshall-Legrone kept her mother’s suicide a secret for 29 years until she attended a Survivor Day event, “I left that Survivor Day event a different person. I no longer felt alone, ashamed, or abandoned.” Find a Survivor Day event near you: afsp.org/SurvivorDay

Suicide loss survivors deserve support and care every day. Register for a #SurvivorDay near you to find connection, understanding, and hope with fellow survivors: afsp.org/survivorday

In one week, join #AFSPadvocacy and departing members of Congress, including Rep. Grace Napolitano and Rep. Tony Cárdenas, to hear about accomplishments and challenges, and be inspired to continue advocating to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Register today: https://lnkd.in/dAcG5d8g

Our children did not come with instructions. Know you did the best you could. We would give our own lives to have our children back. It was not within our control. Taking one’s life is not a rational decision.”

Providing culturally relevant care to Latina adolescents helps. Over 20% of adolescent Latinas report having serious thoughts of suicide and 10% report having made a suicide attempt. In Latina families, there is a strong value placed on family allegiance. Acculturation and identity issues within the family can lead Latinas to struggle with a lack of autonomy. Life is Precious (LIP), a community-based afterschool program in New York City, helps Latina adolescents and their families learn to manage stress and depression and address their unique challenges. Dr. Jennifer Humensky examined data collected from the LIP program for 107 Latinas aged 11-18 years old. Of all participants: ? 17% reported they had made at least one suicide attempt. ? 45% had a diagnosis of depression. ? 25% reported having been sexually abused. During the one-year study period, there were no suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Notably, there were significant reductions in suicidal thoughts, depressive symptoms, anger, and post-traumatic stress symptoms over the course of the study. Dr. Humensky, along with LIP’s developer, Dr. Rosa Gil, met with members of Congress, showed them the results of the program, and secured funding to replicate the program in other communities. This is AFSP research in action. Culturally relevant, community-based programs, meet people where they are and improve lives. Learn more about this #Science2StopSuicide from Dr. Jennifer Humensky of Columbia University: https://lnkd.in/d2yjvhUd To fund more scientific research, donate to AFSP: afsp.org/donate

Curious how stress can affect our cell biology? Want to know the impact of the pandemic on frontline workers and their children? What does treating opioid addiction with medication look like? Learn the answers to these questions and more #Science2StopSuicide:

The 30 days of September's National Suicide Prevention Month aren’t enough to support our mission – our work continues year-round. Two ways you can help keep the momentum going: ?? Walk with us: afsp.org/walk ?? Donate to us: afsp.org/donate

Our first month of Community Walks is over! If you attended a Walk, leave a comment with your favorite memory. If you're looking to get to a Walk, there are so many more to come. Sign up today: afsp.org/walk