Resources for Social Workers for World Mental Health Day 2019 - Suicide Prevention

by Linda May Grobman, MSW, ACSW, LSW

     October 6-12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. In addition, October 10 is World Mental Health Day (WMHD). The theme for WMHD for 2019 is suicide prevention.

     View a World Mental Health Day video from NASW and The New Social Worker.

     Social workers are on the front lines of mental health services and suicide prevention. Social workers also encounter suicide, suicidality, and suicide loss, regardless of practice setting or population. Some state social work licensing boards require that licensed social workers obtain continuing education on suicide prevention.

     On a macro level, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death for 15- to 34-year-olds, with an attempt made every 27 seconds. Worldwide, close to 800,000 people die by suicide each year, or one every 40 seconds.

     The following World Health Organization (WHO) video provides information about the incidence of suicide and the need for prevention.

     Here are some resources for social workers for World Mental Health Day (WMHD).

World Mental Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week Sites

Mental Health Sites

Sites on Suicide/Suicide Prevention

Social Work and Suicide Prevention

Related Books by Social Workers

     This short list, of course, is a small sampling of available resources. Please use this list as a starting point in your own search for more information.

Linda May Grobman,  MSW, ACSW, LSW, is the founder, publisher, and editor of The New Social Worker magazine.