By Alyssa Gilden

To start with the good news, research shows over and over again that wellness and recovery from mental illness are possible through connection, support and treatment. To move to the more staggering news, millions of people in the United States and around the world are affected by depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses each year. 54% of Americans have been affected by suicide in some way, and it is estimated that 90% of those who died by suicide had underlying untreated mental illness. As far as we have come in society acknowledging mental illness, too many people still struggle to ask for help or let others know they are struggling.  

Research shows that sharing individual stories and perspectives related to mental illness can itself be life changing. Through sharing personal stories of struggle, loss, resilience and recovery, people can achieve connection and show one another that they are not alone. When the conversations take place – through plays like Stan Zimmerman’s “Right Before I Go,” through reaching out to others personally, through participating in programs or groups at Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service – healing can begin to occur. Starting the conversation – asking “Hi, how are you?” and really listening to the answer – can make a big difference. Talking about suicide can dispel myths and stereotypes, reduce negative stigma and barriers to treatment, and increase education; in short, talking about suicide can save lives.