Suicide Prevention (Every) Month, Week, Day

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

September 6th-12th is Suicide Prevention Week.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.

These designations provide the opportunity to shine a light on an issue which impacts so many of us. In the last 10 years more than 150 Fond du Lac County residents have died by suicide and there have been over 1,000 emergency department visits for self-harm injuries. Many more have seriously considered suicide (5% of adults and 14% of teens). Thousands have watched a loved one struggle and far too many have been left grieving their loss.

Suicide Prevention Month, Week, and Day give mental health advocates, prevention groups, survivors, and community members the chance to unite to promote suicide prevention awareness, share resources and stories, remember those affected by suicide, and focus efforts on providing support to those who need it most.

However, we know these efforts and activities are important EVERY month, week, and day.

The overarching goal of our efforts here in Fond du Lac County is that suicide prevention measures are fully incorporated into every day life and standard procedures.

We want everyone to know the warning signs to watch for and how to help someone in distress. We want everyone to know the mental health resources that are available and how to access them. We want employers to make suicide prevention training part of their standard training protocol. We want organizations across our county to work together so that indiviudals who are struggling with their mental health are connected to effective services and receive the best possible care, regardless of where or when they are in distress or who they have contact with.

We want those who live and work in Fond du Lac County to know that WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY in preventing suicides.

What can you do?

• Learn more about the impact of suicide on those who live and work in Fond du Lac County. Download and share the recently updated data and informational sheet.
• Attend a QPR Suicide Prevention Training. If you’re already a trained QPR Gatekeeper, you can encourage others to take the training or request one for an organization or group you are part of.
• Spend time learning about mental health and crisis resources that are available. Bookmark the online Pathways to Care tool or request printed copies and distribute them to those who would benefit from having this information.
• Display crisis contact numbers at your business or organization. Eye-catching stickers and window clings are available for free by request.
• Join the Prevent Suicide Fond du Lac County committee.
• Follow us on Facebook and like & share posts and events.