Beloved Letters
September 2023: Embracing Awareness Campaigns on Suicide Prevention Month
‘Creating hope through action’
Dear Belovers,
This month, I write these lines at the intersection of several awareness campaigns that touch our heartstrings and deserve our attention, our engagement, and our unwavering support.
At Beloved, we are committed to promoting a better future for all by tackling the mental health crisis we face in the ongoing Age of Infinite Loneliness raging in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suicide Prevention Month
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. September 10 is a day to join a global community in raising awareness and taking action to prevent suicide.
All through the month, we are taking a moment to highlight the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day:
Creating Hope Through Action
National Suicide Prevention week
September 10–16, 2023
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) recognizes the entire month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month.
This year, AFSP has set in motion the Talk Away the Dark campaign.
So during National Suicide Prevention Week, let’s stand together, spread hope, and encourage help-seeking behavior.
Through all the events scheduled runs a binding thread that unites mental health activists and practitioners in a joint effort to reduce the prevalence of suicide and provide support to those who are struggling.
World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10
On September 8, President Biden issued a Proclamation on World Suicide Prevention Day, where he acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about mental health, and proclaimed September 10, 2023, as World Suicide Prevention Day, taking the time to share disturbing data.
In 2021, more than 48,000 Americans were lost to suicide, over 12.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, and 1.7 million people attempted suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24 years old. And the suicide rate for veterans was more than 50 percent greater than for non-veteran adults. Yet despite the fact that so many Americans struggle with their mental health, treatment is often too expensive or inaccessible.
Moreover, as noted by the AFSP, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for awareness and action to uphold the values of diversity and inclusion.
Hence, this month on Beloved, we encourage you to engage in conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, fostering empathy and support for those who need it most.
As we navigate through these awareness campaigns, we invite you to share your stories. Your words have the power to inspire, educate, and console.
Inspired by the ongoing campaigns, we will be hosting a new week-long prompt.
Tag your stories: “Write Away the Dark”
More dates to mark on your calendars
In addition to these crucial campaigns, let’s not forget the other significant dates in September:
- Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15)
- International Day of Peace (September 21)
- International Day of Sign Language (September 23)
These dates offer opportunities to engage with diverse causes and make a positive impact on our world.
News of the month
September writing prompt on Beloved
This month, we have a special challenge for our authors. We encourage you to share a story about summer love. Tag your stories:
“Silly season love”
Beloved joins Alchemy Publications
September also marks the inception of Alchemy Publications, and Beloved emerges as the love-centric satellite of this new universe of diversity and inclusion on Medium.
We invite you to join all the publications under the Alchemy umbrella.
Read more here.
Closing thoughts
Beloved is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive community. Together, we can bring about change and promote understanding.
If you have a story to share or would like to contribute to our mission, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for being part of the Beloved family. Let’s raise our voices, spread love, and create a world where everyone can thrive.
With love and gratitude,
