Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2023
Start the Conversation for Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Lines for Life and our community partners are celebrating by highlighting ways to Start the Conversation – in our schools, communities, workplaces, and more.
Community leaders across Oregon and beyond are joining us to Start the Conversation in their own corners of the world – from Portland schools and neighborhoods to rural community gatherings.
Strong social ties within communities and neighborhoods are shown to boost mental health. Together, we are creating safe spaces where people can talk openly about their mental health, inspire hope, and promote mental wellness.
Why do we need to talk about mental health?
1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness – and everyone has mental and emotional health. When you take a moment to start real, non-judgmental conversations about mental health, everyone can benefit.
Not only that, but studies show that asking someone if they are feeling suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts – in fact, findings suggest the opposite! When you Start the Conversation, you can take a step toward breaking the stigma around mental health, suicide, substance use, and more.
See How Others Start the Conversation
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we are exploring examples of our community partners, staff members, and leaders in mental health who are taking the necessary steps to Start the Conversation and promote mental health for all.
Start the Conversation: Mike, Clinical Trainer
My first career was in the restaurant industry, managing restaurants and eventually managing theaters and event venues for a large chain of Oregon brewpubs. I had to leave because I drank too much, and I was like a kid in a candy store.Eventually, I became interested in the substance...
Tips to Start the Conversation About Mental Health in Military & Veteran Communities
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we highlight opportunities to Start the Conversation among service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF).A “power through it” mentality is strong in military culture – both for physical and emotional concerns. Stigma around needing help...
Start the Conversation: Oregon Helpers Wellness Initiative
“The program is a voice in creating safe spaces for difficult conversations. We make the spaces welcoming, inclusive, and keep them trauma-informed so people can come for that necessary support.” - Stacey, Bilingual/Bicultural Group Facilitator The Oregon Helpers Wellness Initiative...
Start the Conversation: Angie, Lead Clinical Preceptor
I’ve always been passionate about supporting people when they might feel stigmatized or isolated.When I was growing up, my family struggled with poverty. Some of them turned to substances to cope and, even though they were around, I felt alone. The first funeral I ever went to...
Inside the 2023 AAS Conference: A Visit at Lines for Life’s Office
Inside the 2023 AAS Conference: A Visit at Lines for Life’s OfficeThe American Association of Suicidology (AAS) - the accrediting agency for 988 - kicked off their annual conference for 2023 at the Lines for Life headquarters on Wednesday, April 19!The AAS Conference is the largest...
Pacific Island Mama
My mama is not a clear vision in my mind. I can almost hear her voice when I read old cards and letters. But so much of my pacific Island mama was woven into the larger fabric of her family, a vision of my Tata and Nana, my Aunties and Uncles and cousins that I don't always see...
What is Mental Health?
¿Qué es la Salud Mental? A veces se nos olvida cuidar el buen estar de nuestro cuerpo y hasta mas la mente. Durante tiempos difíciles el cuidado de nuestro cuerpo completo es difícil. Nuestros cuerpos aguantan mucho mal trato, pero igual lo aguarda. Nuestros traumas se pasan...
Construction Industry Takes ACTION through Suicide Prevention Training
This week is Construction Safety Week – and our partners are weaving suicide prevention and mental health into the culture of safety in the construction industry.In 2019, construction companies, labor organizations, insurance companies, and other community and government partners...
How can YOU Start the Conversation?
It’s not just our community leaders making a difference – anyone can Start the Conversation in their own circles! You can Start the Conversation by simply asking, “How are you really?” or sharing how you’ve been feeling lately.
Supportive and meaningful relationships help build resilience and well-being – a conversation with an understanding friend or loved one can often help heavy thoughts feel lighter. Identify a loved one you can lean on for support – or offer to be there for someone in your life.
Get Support for Your Mental Health
We know it may not always be easy or possible to Start the Conversation with those around you. If you have mental health concerns and aren’t sure who to reach out to, we’re here to help. Our crisis and emotional support helplines are available 24/7.
Register for Training
Want to Start the Conversation around mental health? Want to be prepared if someone reaches out to you seeking support, but not quite sure where to start? We provide virtual and in-person training opportunities for anyone who wants to learn how to assess suicide risk and refer others to appropriate resources.
If you, your organization or community want to develop crisis intervention skills, learn more about our upcoming trainings.
Training is available to anyone who wants to help others in crisis – you do not need to be a behavioral health professional.