September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.
Take a moment today to check in with your battle buddies, shipmates, friends, coworkers, family and loved ones.
Depression and trauma can you feeling like you're sinking beneath the waves, with no rescue in sight. In the military and Veteran community, seeking help with your mental health can often feel stigmatized, prompting these servicemembers and Veterans to shutter away or pretend that everything is ok, while in reality a heavy "squall" of negative and/or harmful thoughts and emotions rages on inside.
Individuals struggling with these symptoms often feel alone, and sometimes what they need most in these moments are a lifeline- a friend, family member, coworker, neighbor, etc.- to reach out, ask how they're doing and to truly listen. Feeling heard and knowing they are not alone in this fight, brings support and hope.
The South Carolina Office of Mental Health (OMH) invites you to help spread hope, through its #YouAreNotAlone campaign by sharing:
1.) A photo of you and/or your pet holding their #YouAreNotAlone sign (included below) or
2.) A video (5 seconds or less) sharing what gives you hope.
This messaging is one way we can come together to show people in our communities that they are not alone, and we care.
To submit your photos:
All photos/videos should be submitted to Sarah Boler at sarah.boler@omh.bhdd.sc.gov. Please fill out and attach the release form below to allow the Office of Mental Health can share your hopeful message.
All submitted photos and videos will be compiled into a video and shared via The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities social media platforms at the end of September. For your message to be included, please submit your content by Sept. 14.