Boston: September is Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month

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SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States.  The past several years have been an enormous challenge and struggle for so many, and it's no surprise that these difficulties are reflected in increased struggles with severe depression, anxiety and sometimes thoughts of suicide.  Recent data show a troubling overall increase in suicide rates over the last five years.   According to the CDC, one person dies by suicide approximately every 11 minutes.    Suicidal ideation rates have increased, concerningly, in teenagers as well as adults. In 2023 it was reported by the CDC that one in every three teenage girls reported strongly considering suicide.

These trends are why we feel it is so important every year to share resources, information, and education to support those experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, as well as their friends and families. Discussions about suicide can be very uncomfortable, and many worry that talking about it might "plant the idea" in someone's mind. However, research shows the opposite.  Open, honest conversations can reduce stigma, ease isolation, and build connections that help keep people safe and feeling supported. Prevention starts with dialogue, compassion, and strong support systems. Our goal today is to connect people with resources that foster stability and safety.

Below is a list of organizations that contain these resources and supports which provide education, support, and information to use in crisis, as well as lists of long-term mental health resources:
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Each year, we also choose to include resources for friends and family who are survivors coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide.   Many take comfort and strength in reaching out to others who understand, whether it is others in the community or professionals.   Listed below are support groups and larger networks to explore:
  • Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors:  Information, forums, and community support for loss survivors, emphasizing peer support.
  • Friends for Survival:  An organization supporting suicide loss survivors and mental health professionals.   Features education, resources, and a Suicide Help Line (1-800-646-7322)
  • Parents of Suicide and Friends & Family of Suicides (POS-FFOS): A public message boards and live chats for those grieving a suicide loss.
  • After a Suicide: Grief Resource Directory (http://www.personalgriefcoach.net/): A directory of additional resources and education.
  • American Association of Suicidoloogy: (https://suicidology.org/resources/suicide-loss-survivors/)   A resource and support directory for suicide loss survivors.
  • Save.org find a Support Group (https://www.save.org/programs/suicide-loss-support/find-a-support-group/): A search database for smaller community support groups of all kinds.  

NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

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September is also National Recovery Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about addiction and recovery while also celebrating progress and resilience. There is some encouraging news this year: for the second year in a row, overall overdose rates have fallen (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm), and adolescent drug use remains below pre-pandemic levels. However, they have fallen only relative to the last five years and continue to maintain a significantly higher average than recorded over the last 20 years. It remains to be seen how cuts to the federal workforce tasked with tracking these stats will affect reporting in future years (https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/29/nx-s1-5407849/samhsa-nsduh-trump-rfk-jr-hhs-cuts), but we will continue to share these statistics every year we receive them.

As in years past, we will share below a range of peer and professional resources for those seeking recovery, as well as support for their families:
  • Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Finder App (https://www.aa.org/meeting-guide-app): Alcoholics Anonymous, the longest running and largest peer support network for people in recovery, hosts their own app for finding meetings in your area.
  • New England Narcotics Anonymous Directory (https://nerna.org/): This page links to NA listings for the New England region.
  • St. Anthony's Shrine (https://stanthonyshrine.org/about-us/this-week-at-the-shrine/): Hosts numerous AA and recovery events, including a national recovery month reception and mass on September 6th featuring former Mayor Marty Walsh.
  • Al Anon (https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/): AA affiliated support network expressly for families and friends of those living with alcoholism.
  • Smart Recovery (https://www.smartrecovery.org/): Skills-based, non-12-step peer support network with online meetings.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (https://www.boston.gov/news/blank):  National agency and resource with information and assistance.
  • Project ASSERT (https://www.bmc.org/project-assert): Boston area detox and rehab referral program.
  • The City of Boston's Recovery Services Team (https://www.boston.gov/departments/recovery-services): a referral and advocacy, they are responsible for the PAATHS program (https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/recovery-services/find-your-path-recovery), available 9-5 to assist with finding detox and other substance use recovery support services.
  • In the Rooms (https://www.intherooms.com/home/): Global online support and recovery community
  • Massachusetts process and requirements (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/section-35-the-process) for hospitalizing a family member for inpatient substance use evaluation and treatment.
  • NAADAC on National Recovery Month (https://www.naadac.org/national-recovery-month)
  • National Recovery Month Calendar (https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/events/month/2020-09/?hide_subsequent_recurrences=1)

As always, the City of Boston Employee Assistance Program (https://www.boston.gov/departments/human-resources/employee-assistance-program) is here to provide immediate, confidential support and connect you with resources (https://www.boston.gov/departments/human-resources/employee-assistance-program-resource-list). Have a safe September!

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