Shedding Light on Hope: Why National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Matters
- Kayla Myers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Hello Operation Flourish Fam!
September isn’t just fading summer—it’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a dedicated time when we shine a powerful, collective spotlight on mental health, hope, and help. As Miss Northeast 2026 in the Miss Indiana Scholarship Program, and founder of Operation Flourish, I’m honored to kick off this five-part blog series today—because every life is priceless, and together, we can help one another choose health and flourish.
Why This Month Matters—and the Reality of the Crisis
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 47,500 lives lost by suicide in 2023—that’s an average of 130 lives lost every single day.
Suicide attempts are estimated at 12 million annually.
Nearly 1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental health condition each year, yet far too many go without the support they deserve.
Every stat isn't just a number; it’s a brother, sister, friend, or neighbor in need of compassion, connection, and maybe just one brave voice to say, “I’m here with you.”
How This Ties into Operation Flourish and #ChooseHealth
The mission of Operation Flourish is simple yet profound: empower individuals to overcome barriers and truly flourish through the Five Pillars of #ChooseHealth:
Joyful Movement
Balanced Nutrition
Restorative Sleep
Mindful Mental Health
Avoiding Risk Behaviors
By nurturing each pillar, we create the fertile ground for positive emotions, meaningful relationships, engagement, purpose, and accomplishment—and that’s exactly what fosters hope and resilience.
Joyful Movement helps release stress and lifts mood-related symptoms.
Balanced Nutrition fuels both body and brain—crucial for emotional well-being.
Restorative Sleep lays the foundation for clarity, balance, and emotional regulation.
Mindful Mental Health invites self-awareness, acceptance, and healthy coping.
Avoiding Risk Behaviors including substance misuse, which often amplifies distress.
Spotlighting Support: Where to Turn
If you're struggling, please remember you are not alone. And help is available right now.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988, available 24/7 (U.S.), for free, confidential support.
Crisis Text Line – Text “HELLO” to 741741, anytime.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Offers peer support and connection via 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or nami.org.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Confidential referral and treatment information at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Local mental health centers, counselors, or faith-based support – many communities offer sliding-scale or free services.
Also consider spreading awareness by participating in or hosting an educational event, sharing posts with loved ones, or simply starting conversations in your school, workplace, or community.
What’s Ahead in This Series
Over the next few posts, we’ll build on this foundation:
Joyful Movement & Mental Well-Being – How purposeful, fun activity can prevent burnout and uplift us all.
Rest, Nutrition & Sleep: The Invisible Lifelines – Habits we can reshape today for tomorrow’s mental wellness.
Mindful Mental Health – From stigma to self-awareness: building practices that nourish our inner life.
Change at the National Level: Federal Actions & You – A close look at recent federal policies, funding increases, and legislation supporting mental health and suicide prevention—and how you can amplify that impact locally.
Together, in community and compassion, we can move from awareness to action—and blossom into brighter futures. Thank you for being part of Operation Flourish, championing #ChooseHealth, and fostering hope.
Cheerfully yours,
Kayla Myers
#ChooseHealth #OperationFlourish #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #FindHelp #YouMatter #JoyfulMovement #RestorativeSleep #BalancedNutrition #MindfulMentalHealth #PositiveChange
P.S.
Call 988, text HELLO to 741741, or connect with a trusted friend.
Small steps of connection save lives.
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