September is Suicide Prevention Month (SPM), and today, is Suicide Prevention Day.
The importance of facilitating social connections and creating a support system by strengthening bonds with friends, family, and community members are key protective factors against suicide.
Positive and supportive social relationships and community connections can help buffer the effects of risk factors in people's lives.
You can enhance connectedness through social programs and through other activities that reduce isolation, promote a sense of belonging, and foster emotionally supportive relationships.
Ways to start building connections:
- Get outside of your house and your head: Go for a walk or run at a local park. Start talking to people--you'll make an acquaintance and possibly a new friend.
- Be friendly at work: Work relationships can be a source of care and comradery and a place to get support when setbacks happen.
- Stay close to your inner circle: Having a group of close friends promotes mental health and a quicker recovery from physical illness. It also could enhance your quality of life with good conversations and feeling supported and understood.
- Speak regularly to immediate or extended family: These are people who in some ways know you best and often will help you in challenging times.
- Prioritize social connections in your schedule: Set time each week on your calendar to connect with people you care about whether personally or electronically.
Remember, "We're in this Together," reach out if you need help.
For additional support:
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/
• Army Resilience Directorate website:
https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/
• Defense Suicide Prevention Office website:
If you need additional support, please call the Military and Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and Press 1 or visit: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.../militarycrisis-line/
In Europe, dial 00-800-1273-8255.
In Korea, dial 00-808-555-118.
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