Awareness and Support for September & October Mental Health Initiatives

Next week we are sharing the science-fiction and fantasy author movement and blog campaign, #HoldOnToTheLight, which was organized to raise awareness about mental health issues, PTSD, depression, anxiety, bullying prevention, and other important causes through personal stories from over 100 authors. Before we talk about that, Midnight Publishing wanted to explore some of the international mental health initiatives and focuses throughout September and October dedicated to mental health and wellness for all, and there are also medicines you can get for overall wellness from a online.

September

1. World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10

Started by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in 2003, this year marked the 15^th annual day dedicated to preventing suicide across the globe. The WSPD website encourages people to light a candle by a window at 8 p.m. on September 10 to show their support for suicide prevention, in remembrance of loved ones, and to support survivors of suicide. Resources, banners, and information for the Cycle Around the Globe movement for suicide prevention awareness can be found on their website.

2. National Suicide Prevention Week: September 10 – 16

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention founded this campaign to offer support and resources for those who’ve thought about committing suicide or want to advocate for its prevention. This page directs individuals who are thinking about suicide, have attempted it, know someone they think is at risk or have a loved one who’s attempted it to various sources for support. If you’d like to support suicide prevention, this page includes options for volunteering, participating in an Out of the Darkness Walk nationwide, donating and receiving suicide prevention, and first aid training.

October

3. National Depression Screening Day: October 5

Held annually on the first full week of October, this initiative was launched in 1990 by Douglas Jacobs, M.D. with support from the American Psychiatric Association. Since then, this education and screening event is held in clinics, colleges, hospitals, and community groups across the United States, where free screenings for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and bipolar disorder take place anonymously, with treatment referrals offered when needed. Free anonymous screenings can also be found here on the Screening for Mental Health’s website.

4. Bullying Prevention Month

Founded by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October of 2006, this month-long campaign aims to increase awareness and prevention against bullying in schools and communities worldwide, and the depression/suicide dangers that can result. A “You’re Not Alone” event toolkit is one of many resources they offer, as well as several other websites (PACER Bullying Page, PACER Teens Against Bullying, and PACER Kids Against Bullying) that provide videos, free posters, bookmarks, and additional tools to prevent bullying and its resulting consequences.

Don’t forget to come back next week for information on #HoldOnToTheLight and how you can join and show support for the movement, as an author or a reader.

The staff at Midnight Publishing is an award-winning group of editors, writers, and marketers who’ve made it our mission to enable authors and entrepreneurs to share their stories with the world. If you have dreams of writing a book or have completed a manuscript and want to polish it before publication, contact us to discuss how we could assist in a multitude of ways. Midnight Publishing: trusted with over five million words and counting.