Most people who die by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition. Become a fundraiser or donate to the campaign to help us raise $250,000 for Treatment and Recovery Scholarships.
Suicide is a complex social and health crisis that impacts every community on the planet. In September, during Suicide Prevention Month, we're working to disrupt the belief that struggling with mental health makes you a burden.
This month we invite you to help us create honest and hopeful conversations, explore what it looks like to support people through their darkest moments, and invest in the tools and resources that make healing possible.
Your truth, your fears, your pain, and your doubts do not make you a burden—they make you human. So we’re here to remind you: You are not a burden.
Most people who die by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition. Become a fundraiser or donate to the campaign to help us raise $250,000 for Treatment and Recovery Scholarships.
Each pack gives you the tools to check in with those you love, start conversations that challenge stigma, share professional resources, and know what mental health options exist. By wearing the campaign merch, you can be a visible reminder of hope for those struggling and the work we all can do to help prevent suicide.
We’ll let you know about everything happening throughout the campaign like action steps to take, live conversations to watch, and content to share. You can sign up for emails or, for those in the US or Canada, you can opt to receive text messages by texting WSPD to (321) 204-0578.
To help bring this year’s campaign to every corner of the globe (and internet), we’ve built a sharing center to help you spread this life-saving message. It includes a response card, profile pictures, banners, and other social media images to use. If and when you post, tag @TWLOHA on Twitter and Instagram and use #NotABurden so we can see, like, and maybe even repost it!
We believe stories help us to see the people behind the numbers and to know we’re not alone. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing stories about suicide, suicidal ideation, and suicide loss on the TWLOHA Blog.
• You Are Not A Burden by TWLOHA ▸
• The Only Way Out is Up by Emily Sheehan ▸
• The Observer of Thoughts by Becky Ebert ▸
• Grief After Suicide Loss: It Doesn’t Get Lighter, You Get Used to the Weight by Austin Andrew ▸
• Dear NCAA: Now Is the Time To Make a Change by Claire Mueller ▸
• Suicide. Let’s talk about it. by Cassidy Gallegos ▸
• Passive Versus Active Thoughts of Suicide by TWLOHA ▸
• Losing His Necklace Felt Like Losing My Son All Over Again by Carrie Thompson ▸
It’s OK to talk about suicide. With that truth in mind, we’re hosting conversations on the TWLOHA Podcast and live on social media throughout the campaign.
• What Not To Say or Do When Someone Is Struggling With Suicide ▸
• Supporting Student Mental Health: A Virtual Roundtable Conversation ▸
• Changing How We Talk About Suicide and Care For Our Friends and Ourselves ▸
• You Are Not A Burden: A Virtual Roundtable Conversation ▸
“I am just starting out in the young adult world. Trying to prioritize my mental health while trying to figure out what this ‘life thing’ is has presented to be exceptionally difficult. TWLOHA helped me be able to take a breath and know I am able to get the help I need on the hard days.
“I have been in a spiraling depression for over two years. I have had to take time off, as well as a medical leave, due to my condition. I’ve been on the desperate edge of suicide for months now, desperate for escape and relief. Thank you to the T&R Scholarship, I have not had the added financial burden of worrying about covering my copays for my weekly therapy sessions. These sessions have been my fuel to keep living and keep fighting for hope. If it was not for my therapist and the help of TWLOHA, I don’t know where I would be.
“The TWLOHA Treatment & Recovery Scholarship has changed the trajectory of my life forever. I didn’t know that Hope was possible, but through the scholarship I have been able to go to counseling and have really connected with my counselor. And for the first time in my life I am seeing progress and hope instead of trauma and numbness. I am forever thankful for this organization and one of these days I want to be able to give back to help others that are in my situation. Nothing has felt more hopeless than knowing you desperately need help, really want it, but can’t afford it. Thank you for being such a significant part of my healing journey!
“I cannot express my gratitude about this scholarship. It has been a true god-send to me. I have been able to truly work out lots of issues and get a real start on my progress to mental stability. Your organization has truly been awesome. I am grateful for all that you do. In this state, there is little support for mental health. Few resources. This is a shining light in the darkness. Thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart.
“I hadn't been able to start therapy due to a lack of being able to afford it. Your scholarship helped me get back on track to taking care of my mental health needs and it's caused me to have healthier relationships, including with myself. Due to your scholarship, after 15 years of neglect I finally feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.
“I am so grateful that your organization has helped me so much. I am so humbled. I wish I could help out after I have got back on my own feet. You have truly been a great blessing in my life. Thank you.
“I want you to know that your assistance literally saved my life. Through therapy I have addressed childhood trauma and codependency issues. I know my worth and that I was created to do great things. This is all because of the support I received from TWLOHA. I know there is no destination with therapy, it’s truly a journey, but today I am a different woman than I was a year ago. I am incredibly thankful for all the support I have received.
Thank you to these community leaders and companies for supporting this campaign:
If your company, organization, or school is interested in partnering with TWLOHA for Suicide Prevention Month, send us an email at [email protected] and tell us your idea!
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