Changing the Conversation About Suicide

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Learn more about how you and your community can get involved with other Vermonters facing this issue.

Does talking about suicide increase the chances a person may act on thoughts of suicide?

No, and this commonly held belief creates barriers and stigma to asking someone if they are ok. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of stigma associated with suicide, and this myth can prevent people who are struggling from asking for help. It also prevents people from supporting someone they are worried about, because there is fear that it may plant the idea in their head or encourage suicide.

The opposite is true. As stated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma, but also allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others.”

One of the ways Vermont is working to address this stigma and raise awareness is the new FacingSuicideVT.org website. The site includes important information about how to get help if you are having thoughts of suicide, and how to recognize and support someone if you think they may be struggling. The site also includes real stories from Vermonters talking about how suicide has affected their lives and how they have found hope and support.

What can Vermonters do: There are many ways Vermonters can play a role in reducing this stigma and helping our communities face the issue of suicide:

• Learn about the warning signs and how to start a conversation if you are worried about someone: https://facingsuicidevt.com/give-help/
• If you have been affected by the issue of suicide, learn how you can share your stories with others: https://facingsuicidevt.com/get-involved/
• Participate in community awareness events like Out of the Darkness Walks: https://afsp.org/chapter/vermont
• Host a free suicide awareness training in your place of work or community: https://vtspc.org/suicide-awareness-and-support-training/

For more information, go to FacingSuicideVT.org.

If you or someone you know needs help, dial 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline, or text VT to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.