September: Suicide Prevention Month

By: Alex Clayton, LE

Suicide Prevention Month carries a heavy yet extremely important message. There are many societal pressures that do not allow space for such an important topic to be addressed. If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, text or call 988 to seek help. Educating ourselves and others should be readily available to all. It is impossible to know who may be struggling, and by continuing to hold space, we allow those around us a safe and welcoming environment. Many resources are available to educate, such as [SAVE.org](https://www.save.org/) and [Oregon Suicide Prevention](https://www.oregonsuicideprevention.org/).

From a young age, I witnessed the effects of suicide and suicidal thoughts. While this was the worst loss my family suffered, it opened up a door for us to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the importance of mental health. Speaking up and speaking out about any mental struggles is crucial in moving forward in your journey. Suicide and depression were never spoken about when I was younger, and I found that not many people thought it was acceptable to speak about any type of mental struggle. This is something I find extremely unacceptable. We should all be able to express our inner feelings and be granted grace and understanding while healing. Personally, I have struggled with mental health issues for the majority of my life and have, at times, found it terrifying to seek help. I will tell you, starting the conversation was not easy, but it was the best thing I have ever done for myself, my family, and my friends. 

Support systems are the most important factor I have found in struggling with mental health. I know this is not available to everyone, but I urge those who need support to find someone they can lean on in difficult times. My table is a safe space for all who may be struggling and need a moment of peace. However, I highly suggest seeking help from a professional and finding what works best for you. I have personally been in therapy for about two years at this point and find it to be highly rewarding. It is by no means an easy journey to begin, but you may be surprised how much being validated can heal. Therapy and medication may not be right for everyone, so I urge everyone who needs support to seek out the help of a professional. 

Finding a safe, judgment-free zone is something I always suggest to those who need support. This allows us time to be vulnerable and seek support without fear of judgment or feeling like a burden. 

There is no “cure-all” for mental struggles. This is something that I know from personal experience. However, hiding from these dark feelings will only make things worse for you and those around you. Speaking up about needing help can be the hardest yet most crucial step in a mental health journey. Struggling can create feelings of isolation, making it so important to reach out to a trusted person. Never feel alone because I promise you are not. You do not have to feel these things alone. You do not have to hide your feelings to make someone else more comfortable. NEVER hide who you are and what you feel. 

No matter who you are, how old you are, how you identify, or how you feel, you DESERVE support, validation, and to feel like a priority. You are important. You are loved. You are valid. 

I urge everyone to continue this conversation with their family, friends, children, and loved ones. The more we educate people and communicate that they are always welcome to share their thoughts, no matter how ugly they may be, the more they can heal.

Mental health awareness should be openly discussed, especially during September. In my opinion, everything that goes unsaid is something that could be healed with help from others. Silence is not the answer; silence is the issue. Every person is valid and deserves support and to be listened to, no matter what. 

If you have suffered from the loss of a loved one to suicide, there are support groups, community activities, and many resources. From a young age, my family has participated in Portland’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk. This is where we found support and love from others who have lost someone to suicide. Never feel alone. I promise there are people out there who understand what you are going through and can offer you support during this unbelievable time. 

#SuicidePreventionMonth #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreLoved