Teen Suicide Prevention
The Stuart B. Eiken Foundation – “STU22crew” – was created to promote awareness for the prevention of teenage suicide and to assist teens with the overall health of their bodies, minds, and hearts.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was stablished in 1949 to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and provide support for mental health struggles. This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is “More Good Days, Together”, and focuses on building community, understanding individual needs and connecting people with support.
The main benefits of Awareness Month includes:
- Reducing stigma through open conversations that challenge stereotypes surrounding mental illness.
- Educating people on when and how to seek help increases access to care.
- Build community by strengthening support systems and reminding individuals they are not alone.
- Promotion of self-care encourages daily habits that improve overall well being.
To learn more about Mental Health Awareness and learn more about how you can be a part of a healing community, visit NAMI Mental Health Awareness Month
Key Observances
Children’s Mental Health Week (May 3-9)
Each year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness partners with organizations to recognize Children’s Mental Health Week with activities, initiatives, resources and different ways to get involved to promote CMHW. Visit NAMI Children’s Mental Health Week to find out more.
National Prevention Week (May 10-16)
National Prevention Week is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) campaign that unites communities to promote mental health, prevent substance use, and share evidence-based tools for events and social media outreach. Visit the SAMHSA website SAMSA Prevention Week for more information on how to get involved in the week’s activities.
Recognizing the Warning Signs and Offering Support
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Learn how to help a friend, loved one, or coworker. Everyone can learn the warning signs and how to get help.
The Facts About Suicide
A CDC study showed that a range of factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions. Everyone can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning signs and where to get help.
Suicide is a public health problem because of its far-reaching effects:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for over 48,000 deaths in 2021.
- In 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan for suicide, and 1.7 million attempted suicide.
- People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence are at higher risk for suicide.
