If you have social media you might have seen September is a significant month for many of us. If you don’t know what I’m talking about I’ll tell you. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Not only is this month near and dear to me, but with the recent events in the NCAA I know this hits home for more people than it ever should. So before September ends, what can we do to make the most of this opportunity for awareness?

1.     Check on your friends, family, and ones you notice have been different lately. Take a second, even if it’s uncomfortable and ask them how they’re doing. If they reply with “fine” or “good” ask them “how are you really doing?” and try to get the conversation started. It might be uncomfortable at first, but that’s okay. It’s a talk that needs to be had.

2.     You can communicate anonymously as well. Leaving notes and positive messages in their locker, car, or room can make a difference as well. Notes are typically stepping stones to get the conversation started if you both need to ease into it.

3.     Utilize your social media. As a society we waste to much time on Instagram and TikTok anyways. So take a second, make a post letting your followers know that its okay to speak up and to start the conversation.

4.     Sharing your story, only if your comfortable. If you set the example that it’s okay to struggle and go through hard times it makes a domino effect for others. I know from experience that it can get the conversation started for people you had no idea we struggling. We all struggle in different ways and sometimes people just need that inspiration to say what they really want to say. 

5.     Take this month to reflect on how you treat people. Really dive in and think if you put on an act, or if your representing the best version of yourself. We all make mistakes and that’s okay, but how do you treat the kid that’s struggling, or is a little different from the rest of us? How often do you judge people without thinking you did? How often do you talk behind peoples back and generate a negative conversation? It’s the little things if you haven’t noticed.  

None of these ideas are take that much effort, except sharing your story. But its all about the little things. Check up on your friends, check up on yourself, think about how you speak to others, and utilize your social media to spread awareness on causes that matter. To change someones day all it takes is a little effort. Try to break a smile this month and see if you can make a difference.

When September changes don’t change these habits. Suicide Prevention Month isn’t only September, its all year round 24/7.