Suicide Awareness Month

The month of September is considered Suicide Prevention Month. One key to helping those who have suicidal thoughts is to normalize conversations about suicide and ending the stigmas surrounding mental health.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, 46% of those who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition, the suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999 and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34.

Out of the Darkness

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be hosting the Out of the Darkness Greater Portland Maine Area Walk to raise awareness and funds to support suicide prevention efforts.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 19th at Fort Allen Park in the Eastern Prom in Portland. Registration begins at 9 am and the event runs from 10 am to 1 pm.

You can represent the reason for your walk with color-coded bead necklaces and show others that they're not alone

White for a loss of a child
Red for the loss of a spouse or partner.
Gold for the loss of a parent.
Orange for the loss of a sibling.
Purple for the loss of a relative or friend.
Silver for the loss of a first responder or someone in the military.
Green for a personal struggle or attempt.
Teal for supporting someone who struggles or has attempted.
Blue to support suicide prevention.

For more information and to register visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention event page here.

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