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September is Suicide Prevention Month

This important awareness month is not only an opportunity to highlight the life-saving work mental health activists and practitioners do to reduce the prevalence of suicide and support those who struggle — it’s a chance for us all to join in that work, too.

On that note, today’s Goodnewsletter is dedicated to all things mental health: Progress we’re making in getting care to those who need it, ways we can all join in taking action to prevent suicide this month (and always), and more.

Heads up: This Goodnewsletter features stories about suicide prevention and mental health. They're progress-oriented, but if those are still challenging topics for you to read about right now, feel free to skip today’s newsletter and take care. We’ll see you tomorrow.

Governments doing good

Portland is expanding its first responder team dedicated solely to serving those having mental health crises

The Portland Street Response has worked as an alternative first responder agency to serve people having mental health issues. Unarmed staff members are dispatched to provide services to those with suspected substance use issues, who have unmet basic needs, like housing, and more.

PSR has fielded nearly 40,000 calls since 2021, and calls are up 19% compared to last year. To grow with the rising demand, the agency is adding 14 more staff members and working to strategically place staff around the city to provide faster response times.

Denver has implemented a similar program since 2020, also expanding after seeing enormous success in patient outcomes.

Why is this good news? Police officers are trained to respond to crimes — and a mental health crisis is not a crime. Even paramedics are sounding the alarm on their own lack of training here. Having dedicated teams who are specially trained to provide adequate care for someone struggling with their mental health is a better solution than relying on police or other first responders to handle these incidents.

→ Read more​

More Good News

​A recent study found that the global suicide rate has fallen by nearly 30% since 1990. Researchers noted that, in Europe, responsible media reporting and efforts to build social and emotional skills could have contributed to the decline, as well as improved access to care, reduced stigma, and suicide prevention programs.

​To Write Love On Her Arms launched its annual Suicide Prevention Campaign to raise $250k by the end of September. The “I Hope You Stay” campaign will fund 2,800 hours of therapy for people who can’t otherwise afford care and fund thousands of searches in its FIND HELP tool to make it easier for individuals to connect with local, affordable mental health services.

​Despite the national line shutting down, Illinois is keeping its dedicated 988 suicide crisis lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth. The 988 lifeline was launched in 2022, going on to develop a subnetwork of trained crisis counselors to help LGBTQ+ youth and adults under 25 who are disproportionately at risk for suicide and other mental health struggles.

​A Chicago coffee shop gives 100% of its profits to mental health outreach and proactive suicide prevention. Now with two locations in the Chicago area, when Sip of Hope first launched in 2018, it became the first coffee shop in the world to put all of its proceeds toward proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.

​A first-of-its-kind mental health hotline is supporting farmers and ranchers. The AgriStress Helpline for Farmers and Ranchers is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by professionals trained to work with members of agricultural communities and is available in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Texas, Missouri, and Virginia.

​A shelter dog made his debut as the first-ever “morale dog” to be stationed on a U.S. Navy ship. Raider will offer support through “structured interaction, presence, and engagement,” and support trauma recovery therapy, participate in group sessions, visit service members’ families, and offer moments of connection and care “when it’s needed most.”

​Reaching over 100,000 workers, 41 countries have implemented mental health and resiliency training for healthcare workers. Difficult working conditions coupled with high rates of anxiety and depression — over one in three health workers have suffered from these conditions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — not only impact worker retention, but also the well-being of people who deserve health and safety, too.

Technology

A nonprofit is helping teens find mental health support where they already are — on social media

→ Read more

Take action

Take action to reduce suicide during Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, an important awareness event that’s been recognized for more than a decade, as mental health activists and practitioners across the country work to reduce the prevalence of suicide and provide support to those who struggle.

With events, screenings, activities, and more, this month is a time for us to learn more, seek help, offer support, and open our hearts and minds to vulnerable conversations.

​Here are some ways we can all better educate ourselves, support the people in our lives, and take action to reduce suicide rates on a massive scale — ​​this month, and beyond.

1. Learn how to help someone struggling with suicide​
2. ​Bookmark mental health resources so you have them ready in the event of a crisis
3. Sign up to volunteer with a crisis hotline or text line​
4. Donate to organizations helping prevent suicide​
5. ​Wear an encouraging message while supporting mental health organizations
6. Subscribe and listen to mental health podcasts​
7. Watch a mental health documentary​

→ 17 ways to take action during Suicide Prevention Month​

Good Quote

→ More meaningful suicide prevention quotes for hope and healing​

More Good bits

💅 We wrote down absolutely every self-care activity we could think of.

☎️ Trump shut down 988’s dedicated LGBTQ+ services, but alternatives are available.

💬 Contrary to popular belief, talking about suicide can be life-saving.

❤️ Asking the hard questions doesn’t have to be scary — and it could save a life.

🌪️ Extreme weather can impact mental health, too — be prepared.

🧠 Here’s how to know if it’s time to find a therapist.

Introducing the Newest Goodnewspaper

Sharpen your pencils, the Education Edition is here!

These days, it’s more important than ever that education is celebrated as the powerful force that it is. Regardless of whether you’re a teacher, a student, a parent, or someone who wants to live in a world in which all students can thrive, the Education Edition is for you.

This issue taps into the innate hope and curiosity that learning affords. It addresses the real issues of the moment, while presenting bold solutions, strong voices, and reminders that learning is as fun as it is important.

→ Order the new issue (free shipping!)

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What’s good?

Reading before bed (yes, instead of scrolling!) has done wonders for my mental health lately.

What’s a change you’ve made recently to support your mental health?

Reply to this email and let me know!

— Megan