We can all help prevent suicide. Every year, the Lifeline and other mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month.

About National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

#BeThe1To

#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month

Help us raise awareness by sharing information with your contacts and those you serve.

The attached poster has a link to a free & anonymous mental health screening.

Why National Depression Education and Awareness Month is Important

1. It sparks conversations

Talking about depression and removing the stigma around it can do tremendous good. This also helps normalize depression (which is important, considering over 16.2 million people have experienced a major depressive episode). Chat with those in your community and use hashtags like #depressionawareness and #DepressionEducation&AwarenessMonth on social media to start the conversation.

2. It encourages others to reach out

Coping with depression is something nobody should have to do alone. By being open about the signs and symptoms of depression, and erasing the shame, we can encourage others to speak to a trusted friend, parent, doctor, or therapist about what they’re experiencing.

3. It ignites national change

Countless celebrities, politicians, and average citizens alike struggle with depression on a daily basis. As such, this opens many doors to change. Donating to a depression support group/organization, joining an awareness walk (such as NAMI), and following celebrity mental health advocates on social media (such as Lady Gaga, Kristen Bell, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Michael Phelps) can help us change the way our culture thinks about and responds to depression.

Mental Health Resources

NAMI NC: https://naminc.org/

Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/

National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Additional Resources:
Check up From the Neck Up
What's on Your Mind?
Anxiety 
Depression

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

 Every October, schools and organizations across the country join STOMP Out Bullying™ in observing National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal of the Character Matters Anti-Bullying Campaign is to bring awareness to the issue of bullying and what schools and communities can do and are doing to stop it. We want to encourage students to share the message that Character Matters and bullying is not acceptable in North Carolina schools and communities.  

• October 20: #UnityDay--Wear Orange to Prevent Bullying and Promote Kindness 

Access free distance learning resources to use in your virtual classroom or to continue engaging students in social-emotional learning and bullying prevention.

Below are resources to help you plan for National Bullying Month:

Facts about Bullying
Videos and Social Media
Watch our documentary on bullying in North Carolina

Character Matters NC Anti-Bullying Resources 

Stomp Out Bullying
Pacer National Bullying Prevention Center
Go Guardian Resources and Activities
What Kids Can Do
What Teens Can Do

Did you know Oct. 14th is National Stop Bullying Day? Use the resources below to find activities you could do with your students.
Student Activity Center

Elementary School
Additional Elementary School Resources
Middle/High School
Additional Middle/High School Resources