September is always a big month for the mental health community and this year was no different! Each September holds National Suicide Prevention Day and National Recovery Month. Although these serious subjects need to be considered all times of the year, joining events during this time brings the problems, triumphs, and tribulations to the forefront of our thoughts. Raising awareness about topics such as these helps the community by learning tools to help change your or your loved one’s life.

This year Denver held their third annual Out of the Darkness Walk. This event is hosted by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and is sponsored by many local businesses and organizations. This year, 2017, the event raised $241,348 that will go towards trying to reach the goal of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025. With over 2,500 people waking in support of this cause and raising awareness, this year’s event was a success!

Each year, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors National Recovery month to promote awareness of behavioral health conditions. They have created a sixty-two-page handbook on how you as an individual or as a group can become involved in the thirty day celebration of education about recovering from mental health and substance abuse disorders. The handbook outlines ways to promote the events through media, how to provide support, and ways to educate the community. This year’s events included discussions on Face Book Live and many educational speeches and lectures from substance abuse rehabilitation centers in the area.

As we have come to an end of another great National Suicide Prevention Day and National Recovery month, it is important to keep in mind that these are issues that need to be addressed and considered all year long. If you or someone you love is suffering from a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder, it is of upmost importance to seek health immediately. There are a great number of resources to help make the changes required to live a healthy, happy life.

We welcome you to comment what events you attended September 2017 for mental health awareness!