Each year, we join people around the world who are engaging in vital conversations about mental health and suicide prevention for National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW) and World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) during the month of September. We hope you’ll join us during this time by having conversations with your family, friends, and your community.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK 2014
A body was found three blocks from our office this morning. Police have ruled it a suicide. We don’t yet know the person’s name or age or gender. Who were they? What were the dreams of their youth? What pain led to their decision? What hearts will break as the news arrives? We know nothing of their story, but we know that story ended too soon.
It is with this unknown person and their unknown pain in mind that our “No One Else Can Play Your Part” campaign steps into National Suicide Prevention Week, which begins today in America. The person who died on our street around sunrise this morning represents thousands more who die by suicide each year and millions who struggle with depression.
We live in a world that says to play it cool. We live in a world that suggests that everyone is doing just fine, that there’s no place for your pain, that your worth is based on how many followers you have. Those are lies. You matter. Your story matters. The pain of your past and what you do with this day and the hope and possibility that your future could look different – all of it matters.
People often ask me how TWLOHA works. What’s the dream? What’s the goal? The more the years go by, the more simple my answer gets. These days it goes something like this: The dream is people knowing that it’s okay to be honest and it’s okay to ask for help. The dream is people choosing to stay alive. The dream is you never giving up on your story because no one else can play your part, because there’s still some time to be surprised. That’s why TWLOHA exists and that’s what #NoOneElse14 is all about.
– Jamie Tworkowski
This week we’re joining people around the world who are engaging in vital conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Here’s how you can get involved:
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH OUR WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY PACK
All of the items in the pack are meant to equip you to talk about suicide prevention in your community. Use them as conversation starters, encouraging reminders, and informative tools to share with others. Finally, be sure to wear your shirt and bracelet on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10! You can get your WSPD pack here.
GET THE WORD OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Change your profile photos, cover photos, and backgrounds on your social media accounts using our NSPW social media assets. Throughout the week, share what you’re doing to start conversations about suicide prevention using #NoOneElse14, #NSPW14 (for National Suicide Prevention Week), and #WSPD14 for (World Suicide Prevention Day). Don’t forget to tag @TWLOHA on Instagram & Twitter so we can see how your community is getting involved!
TELL US WHY “NO ONE ELSE CAN PLAY YOUR PART.”
Download this printable PDF and tell us why No One Else Can Play Your Part. Post it on social media by tagging @TWLOHA and using #NoOneElse14 or #WSPD14.
FUNDRAISE FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
Help us challenge the stigma of mental health by providing support and treatment for those affected by it. From now until the end of NSPW, every dollar raised through our NSPW 2014 StayClassy page will go directly to funding treatment and recovery.
BLOGS FROM THE WEEK
Tuesday, September 9 – “Connectedness and Community”
Wednesday, September 10 – “World Suicide Prevention Day”
Thursday, September 11 – “Remembering Those We’ve Lost”
Friday, September 12 – “The Stories We Share”
Saturday, September 13 – “There Is Still Some Time To Be Surprised”
Sunday, September 14 – “What Comes Next?”
