September is Suicide Prevention and Recovery Happens Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Happens Month. This year’s Recovery Happens Month theme is “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” and the theme for this year's Suicide Prevention Month is “Share Hope Together.” Sharing is a powerful tool to tell stories and share resources, knowledge, and experiences in order to prevent suicide and to protect our loved ones. Whether you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or are concerned about a loved one who might be, you are not alone. The San Mateo County community stands together to support those who are struggling and guide them to the help they need.
Since its rollout last July, 9-8-8 is the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or 988 Lifeline). If one dials, texts, or chats to 9-8-8, a person is connected with trained counselors for free and confidential support, as well as providing crisis counseling for those in emotional distress. 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States of America. The previous Crisis Lifeline 10 digit number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to call or text.
San Mateo County Health is providing events (both in-person & virtual events) for Suicide Prevention Month for all September, including Be Sensitive Be Brave Training starting September 11 (happening multiple days throughout September), the Walk of Hope Recovery Breakfaston September 12, the screening of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" on September 15, and What I Wish My Parents Knew, from a Chinese American Youth Perspective (this event will feature high school youth speakers who will provide parents with knowledge and skills around mental health) on September 16. More events for Suicide Prevention Month can be found on San Mateo County Health's page. And remember, for immediate help, you can reach out for 24/7 free confidential crisis support:
- Call the San Mateo County Crisis Line (run by Starvista) at 1-650-579-0350 or visit sanmateocrisis.org
- Text “BAY” to 741741
- National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Every September as well, National Recovery Month is a national observance to promote and support new treatment and recovery practices by increasing public awareness about mental health and addiction recovery. National Recovery Month aims to share information and resources to get everyone the right help. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, has recorded a video message for Recovery Month.
For the month of September, City Hall will be lit up in purple to recognize both Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Happens Month. Proclamations for both Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Happens Month will be presented at the September 7, 2023 City Council Meeting at City Hall. Join in-person at 50 Park Place or on Zoom, or watch the livestream on Comcast Ch. 27 or the City's YouTube channel.
