Mental Health Awareness Month Shines Light on Suicide Prevention Efforts Across Illinois

AFSP Illinois Expands Free Public Programs to Help People Recognize Warning Signs and Act

CHICAGO, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP-IL) is honoring Mental Health Awareness Month in May by hosting a series of free prevention education programs to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to help save lives.

Throughout May, AFSP-IL will offer a variety of programs—both virtual and in-person—focused on suicide prevention in Latinx, LGBTQ+, and other communities, as well as specialized sessions for those seeking hope and connection.

• May 3 – Oak Park Volunteer Gathering (10am-1pm)
• May 5 - Talk Saves Lives for Mental Health Mondays at AFSP Illinois (Virtual 6:00-7:30pm)
• May 8 - Talk Saves Lives: Latinx for Mental Health Mondays at AFSP Illinois (Virtual 6:00-7:00pm)
• May 19 – Talk Saves Lives: LGBTQ+ for Mental Health Mondays at AFSP Illinois (Virtual 6:00-7:00pm)
• May 25 – Finding Hope Program for Mental Health Mondays at AFSP Illinois (Virtual 6:00-7:00pm)

For more information and to register go to  http://afspilprograms.org/ and scroll to find the event(s) you wish to attend.

"When we educate our communities about suicide prevention, we're literally giving people the tools to save lives," said Angela Cummings, executive director of AFSP Illinois. "This month is a chance to talk openly about mental health, learn how to support others, and strengthen the safety net around those who may be struggling."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the 11th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.. The suicide rate among males in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Firearms were involved in more than 50% of all suicide deaths in 2023.

Scientific evidence reveals the deep impact things like sleep, exercise, social connections, therapy and more can have on our overall health and the way we manage stress. This month AFSP is sharing game-changing strategies that connect to these evidence-based actions and more that encourage personal and community resilience.

Build your resilience muscle with tips and strategies shared by AFSP this month, including:

• Focusing on the Physical. Notice changes in your sleep and levels of stress. Give yourself time to rest and restore and build your emotional resilience.
• Finding Ways to Connect. Connecting with others in any way can help strengthen your resilience and restore balance to your thoughts.
• Asking for Help, and Accepting Support. It's not always easy to ask for help when you need it, but it's so important!
• Recognizing Your Needs. Setting healthy, reasonable boundaries is crucial for supporting your resilience.
• Navigating Challenges. It's okay not to feel okay all the time. Recognize that there are seasons in life.

Visit afsp.org/MentalHealthMonth to learn more. 

AFSP and its Illinois chapter are dedicated to improved research, education, and advocacy. Through its statewide network of volunteers, AFSP Illinois offers prevention education programs that emphasize the importance of research-proven self-care techniques as well as the value of engaging professional support.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Or text TALK to 741741 or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to individuals affected by suicide. The organization creates a culture that is smart regarding mental health through educational programs, advocation for suicide prevention, and providing support for those affected by suicide. All donations go towards these efforts with the goal to greatly reduce the national suicide rate. For more: https://afsp.org/chapter/illinois

Suicide Prevention Resources: https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources
Suicide Warning Signs: afsp.org/signs
Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/reporting-on-suicide-prevention
PSAs:  https://talkawaythedark.afsp.org

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention