Celebrating Suicide Prevention

The rates of suicide deaths have raised over the last ten years, immensely. This is an area that we are never excited to see growth in, and as a counselor, one that we do our absolute best to minimize. The month of September celebrates two mental health holidays that support the battle against depression. During the month, you will notice that there is both a Suicide Prevention Week as well as a Suicide Prevention Day. We celebrate both of these holidays and our counseling office, and here are a few ways that you can recognize suicide prevention in your own life.

Visit Your Safe Space

Something that is often talked about during counseling is creating a safe space. Whether that be a bedroom, a park or some other safe space that you’ve used in times of need, today is a good day to visit it and admire it for all that it’s worth. There’s a reason that these spaces become safe spaces, and it’s the feelings that they cultivate that makes them so unique and turns them into a sanctuary. If you don’t currently have a safe space, then this is another great way to spend the day.

Talk To Someone You Love

Whether it be a friend or a family member, spending time talking to someone that you love is always a great reminder of the things that you have. It doesn’t even necessarily need to be someone that you know that makes this possible. Talking with someone that you’ve just met could positively contribute to your mood and day in an instant. Whether you see this person regularly or you haven’t seen them in a while, it’s always a great way to reconnect. Acknowledging the company that you have in life is always something that can provide you with the good feelings that we look for in difficult times.

There are plenty of ways to acknowledge how difficult the battle with depression and anxiety is, but there are also days that you need to celebrate how far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished. Make Suicide Prevention Day or Suicide Prevention Week, that time. If you, or someone you love, is dealing with depression, stop in and visit us! Schedule an appointment with Wendy Iglehart, today.