May 2023 News!
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
46 percent of people who die by suicide had a mental health diagnosis. The mind-body connection is an incredibly powerful force that often takes over in times of crisis and results in an irreversible and lasting impact—a permanent one.
May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness month since 1949 in an effort to unite those struggling with mental illness and to offer resources that can aid in recovery. Continuing to advance the narrative on mental health and normalize its occurrence and possibility for healing helps cover precious ground that just might result in saving a life.
Your support, not only this month but always, helps us in our efforts to do our small part in the greater mission for mental health and suicide prevention. We appreciate you.
Reyne & Scott Roeder
Talk Away the Dark
Via American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a topic that hides in the shadows. All too often it goes unaddressed, even when we may sense someone is struggling.
We might worry that saying the wrong thing will make it worse. So, we end up not saying anything – even though a few kind words can be the first step in connecting someone to help or supporting someone who has experienced a suicide loss.
It’s time we shed some light on this leading cause of death. It’s time we talk away the dark. This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, we are launching Talk Away the Dark, a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign featuring a beautifully cinematic short film that highlights some of the common warning signs for suicide and encourages viewers to start an open and honest conversation with someone they care about, and connect those at risk to help.
The film, which debuts this week, will lead viewers to the Talk Away the Dark webpage, where they will find information on common risk factors and warning signs, and newly designed #RealConvo Guides sharing practical guidance on how to have a caring conversation about mental health and suicide.
What leads someone to consider suicide is complex, and although words alone can’t heal everything – we can’t begin to address suicide if we don’t take the first step and start the conversation.
Together, we can bring suicide out of the darkness and into the light.
Let the Sun Shine Run Recap
And a Special Thank You
On April 22nd, our team honored Jackson at the 13th annual Let the Sun Shine Run in Cold Spring. The event was established by Jonathon Robbins’ family after his death by suicide. The event raises funds and awareness for the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
This year, Jackson’s fans and supporters included his two aunts and friends from Marco. Together with 1,200 participants, over $50,000 was raised to be donated to the cause.
Your support and commitment warms our hearts and helps us honor Jackson alongside so many others whose lives were impacted by suicide. Thank you!
Reminder: Get Your Mental Health Toolkit This Month!
To help create awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month, we included messaging resources in last month’s newsletter.
The toolkit, made possible by the Minnesota Department of Health, includes ideas and resources on what you can do throughout May (and beyond!) to foster mental health awareness as well as suicide prevention. The messaging is smart and consistent and the graphics are compelling and attention grabbing. The toolkit includes content designed around separate themes:
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Week 1: Mental Health Matters
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Week 2: Self Care
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Week 3: Finding Help
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Week 4: Social Connection/Helping Others
To download your free toolkit, visit MDH Suicide Prevention.
Resources & Can't-Miss:
The White House on Mental Health
Proclamation from the Biden Administration highlighting its stance on mental health support, policy, and where critical issues stand on topic.
The Loneliness Epidemic
Article from Forbes from the U.S. Surgeon General, depicting loneliness as a precursor and hazard to mental health.
Together We Can Make it Better
Event from NAMI Minnesota pledging commitment to changing hearts and minds about the misperception of mental health and how to collaborate, foster, and encourage on topic. Via Zoom Tuesday, May 23rd 3-4pm.
A-Z Mental Health Event
Family event 5K run/walk at Dassel-Cokato High School intended to raise mental health awareness. Proceeds go toward a mental health field scholarship fund for local students. Saturday, 5/20 at 9am.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988.