September is National Suicide Prevention Month which shines a light on the typically stigmatized topic of mental health. Throughout the month, organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) are hosting events to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

Cammy Hazim, AFSP’s Area Director for South and Southeast Texas, said that many of the communities in the areas that she oversees face the challenge of a lack of mental health care providers.

“It’s just a big area and unfortunately, we know that suicide is prevalent. It affects everyone and there are just so many communities that have been affected,” said Hazim. “I’ve talked to families, they’re looking to get help for their kids and a lot of times even just to see a therapist, there could be a six-week or several-month wait to get help.”

The AFSP hosts online events that aim to inform attendees on how to effectively communicate about sensitive mental health topics. Hazim explained that the AFSP has hosted community education events like their free virtual training sessions each Thursday in September.

“We know that suicide is largely preventable. AFSP works really hard to bring community education out to the public,” Hazim said. “I explain it to people like it’s like a CPR class. You’re going to come in, you’re going to learn what their risk factors are, learn what those warning signs are and then you’re going to know who to call so that you can save a life.”

Hazim stressed that suicide is a serious issue deserving of conversation.

“(We know) from our research that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 34,” said Hazim. “I would say, if you’ve got kids, you absolutely have to be talking about mental health and taking care of your mind. Your mind is part of your body.”

While mental health is often considered to be a sensitive topic for discussion, Hazim mentioned there are advantages to breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy. She highlighted the importance of therapy as a preventative measure and recommended AFSP.org to help locate nearby mental health professionals.

“Just like you go to the dentist twice a year preventatively – not because you have a problem, (but) because you won’t get a problem,” Hazim said. “It’s the same thing, mental health is just the same as our physical health and just like we go get annual exams and preventative things for physical health, we should not be ashamed to do the same for our mental health.”

Hazim said that there is a myth that discussing self-harm with struggling individuals plants the idea in their heads. She recommended the exact opposite idea and suggested discussing mental health issues directly and head-on to check in on loved ones.

“That’s the biggest thing, it’s just not being afraid to ask directly. Not being afraid to use, ‘Hey, are you thinking of suicide? Are you considering suicide?’” Hazim posed. “And we want to really be careful that we’re not saying that in a judging way.”

An upcoming event for those who want to help spread awareness for suicide prevention is the Walk to Fight Suicide Saturday, Sept. 25, at Burke Crenshaw Park in Pasadena from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Resources

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. For a Crisis Text line, text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained counselor for free.