Let’s talk about mental health in our community
Talking about mental health in communities helps raise awareness and supports those who need help.
Talking about mental health and suicide on a community-level can help raise awareness and support suicide prevention efforts and encourage those who need extra support to connect to services.
Surrounding people and families with supportive neighborhoods, businesses, faith communities, schools, services is a critical way to support every person. Communities that work together in an intentional and proactive way are vital to changing the narrative about mental health and suicide.
Those who have mental health and that are at risk of suicide, or those who are close to a person who died by suicide, can be particularly affected by the language that we use. In the end, our goal is to reduce stigma so that individuals reach out for the help that they need. The heart of what we say should be respectful and place emphasis on care and concern.
What we want is a positive narrative. Ideas for action include:
▪ Focus on normalizing mental health over stigma reduction.
▪ Promote help seeking and sharing support services or resources for those in need.
▪ Emphasize that suicide is preventable and there are actions individuals can take if they are having thoughts of suicide or know others who are or might be. Resources such as the 988 Lifeline and through established local service providers and crisis centers.
▪ Know the warning signs as well as risk, and equally important, know what is effective to protect individuals (protective factors).
Social media posts
The social media posts are a starting point. It is recommended that they are customized to share what programs, opportunities, and events are happening within your community. Examples of things that could be highlighted include community events, community coalitions working to promote mental health and prevent suicide, and services and programs that are available within the community, where conversations can happen.
▪ Community conversations are a common thread that builds community. There are many ways to hold conversations within your community. Consider searching for a community education class or community recreation programs near you to help you talk about mental health and suicide. #YouMatterMN #StartTheConversation
▪ Community can be defined as a feeling of fellowship with others because of shared common attitudes, interests, and goals. Where do you find your community? #YouMatterMN #StartTheConversation
▪ Our community plays an important role in our mental health and wellbeing. What in your community supports your mental health and wellbeing? #YouMatterMN #StartTheConversation
▪ Every person and organization in the community has a role in normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide. To see what you can do, explore the Normalizing Conversations About Mental Health and Suicide (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/documents/convsuictkit.pdf) Recommended actions, tools, and resources can be used to normalize conversations about mental health, prevent Minnesotans from having suicidal experiences, and improve the lives of people who are struggling. #YouMatterMN #StartTheConversation