Guest post by Al Levin, The Depression Files
September is Suicide Prevention Month. This very important month now carries extra weight, given the pandemic. In addition, the polarization of politics and our race relations have caused an incredible amount of stress and trauma on many throughout the US and the world.
Suicide Prevention Month in a time when advocates, professionals and others bring suicide prevention awarness to the forefront. It’s important that we understand that it is okay to talk about suicide. We need to continue work at ending the stigma so that conversations around mental health and suicide are normalized. This type of normalization will also foster a community in which people become more comfortable sharing when they are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts and, more importantly, reach out for the help they may need.
One way that I have been working at ending the stigma is through my podcast, TheDepressionFiles.com. World Suicide Day, September 10, will mark the fourth anniversary of the launch of my podcast. It’s an all-interview format that began with stories of men who had struggled with depression and/or other mental illnesses. I have now expanded and include “Deep Dive Conversations” around various topics of mental health with Guest Experts. The goals of my podcast are to support some and to educate others while chipping away at the stigma.
In addition to my podcast, there are many others that focus on mental health and suicide prevention that you may want to check out during this very important month (listed below or in the Podbean app). I hope, for those of you who already advocate on the topic, September may be a time for you to amplify your work. For those of you who have not advocated or have little knowledge on suicide prevention and mental health, I hope that this may be the launch of your own endeavors to educate yourself and to support others.
Note:
- If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 or your country’s emergency number immediately.
- If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255).
- If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
- Find International Suicide Hotlines here.
You can find this topic featured in the Podbean app to listen on the go. If you don’t already have the Podbean app, download it for free in the App Store or Google Play store. It’s the best way to listen and discover new podcasts you’ll love, with recommendations of hot topics plus personalized recommendations based on what you listen to most. You can also listen to these podcasts online here.
Suicide Prevention Month Podcasts Hosted on Podbean
Letters to my kids: A suicide survivor’s lessons and advice for life
The Center for Suicide Awareness’s Podcast
The Suicide Prevention Movement
Unscripted: Let’s Talk Podcast
Young Blood – Men’s Health Matters
Check out the topic via the link or in the Podbean app for a full list of recommended podcasts on the topic of suicide prevention, awareness, and mental health.
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