President's Message

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT
LA-CAMFT President

National Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, is a crucial time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, which remains a significant public health concern in the United States and globally. Throughout the month, mental health organizations, advocates, community leaders, and clinicians come together to educate the public about the warning signs of suicide and the importance of mental health care. Events such as seminars, workshops, and public service campaigns aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage open conversations about mental health. The goal is to raise awareness and to ensure that those who are struggling know they are not alone, and that help is available. By fostering a supportive environment and spreading awareness, National Suicide Prevention Month seeks to save lives and promote mental wellness.

National Suicide Prevention Week, typically held during the second week of September, intensifies the focus on suicide prevention through a series of targeted activities and initiatives. This week serves as an opportunity for schools, workplaces, and community organizations to engage in proactive measures to prevent suicide. Activities may include mental health screenings, training sessions on recognizing and responding to signs of suicidal behavior, and community outreach programs. By concentrating efforts during this week, these initiatives aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to support those at risk and to promote a culture of empathy and understanding. National Suicide Prevention Week underscores the idea that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, and everyone can play a role in helping to save lives.

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10th, extends the reach of suicide prevention efforts to a global scale. Organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day brings together people from around the world to focus on suicide prevention and mental health promotion. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day changes annually, but the core message remains the same: suicide can be prevented through awareness, education, and support. Activities on this day often include international conferences, awareness campaigns, and social media initiatives that highlight the importance of mental health and the need for global action. By uniting efforts across borders, World Suicide Prevention Day aims to create a worldwide community dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide and promoting mental well-being.

The observances of National Suicide Prevention Month, National Suicide Prevention Week, and World Suicide Prevention Day all emphasize the importance of personal strength and resilience in the face of mental health challenges. These initiatives highlight the power of individual and collective efforts in preventing suicide and supporting those who are struggling. Personal strength can be drawn from a variety of sources, including professional help, community support, and self-care practices.

By focusing on building resilience, building personal strength, promoting mental health education, and fostering a supportive environment, these observances aim to empower individuals to seek help when needed and to support others in their journey towards mental wellness. Through shared efforts and a commitment to mental health, we can create a society where every individual feels valued, supported, and capable of overcoming life's challenges. Be kind to each other.

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT, is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She’s always had a passion for psychology and going on the therapeutic journey with her clients reminds her of this every day. She has a wide array of clinical experience ranging from working with children in an educational setting to those suffering from dementia to individual work in several group, private practices where age holds no boundaries. She has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jennifer applies a person-centered approach when working with clients, as she believes that a “one size fits all” approach simply won’t cut it.