The goals and objectives in this strategic direction seek to create supportive environments that will promote the general health of the population and reduce the risk for suicidal behaviors and related problems. As noted in the Introduction, suicide shares risk and protective factors with mental and substance use disorders, trauma, and other types of violence, such as bullying and domestic violence.
As a result, a wide range of partners can contribute to suicide prevention, including organizations and programs that promote the health of children, youth, families, working adults, older adults, and others in the community. All of these partners should integrate suicide prevention into their work.
Eliminating the biases and prejudices associated with suicidal behaviors, mental and substance use disorders, and exposure to violence is a key area of concern within this strategic direction. In particular, there is a need to increase the understanding that mental and substance use disorders respond to specific treatments and that recovery is possible.
Communication efforts, such as campaigns and social marketing interventions, can play an important role in changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors to promote suicide prevention. Safe and positive messages addressing mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide can help reduce prejudice and promote help seeking. These types of messages can help create a supportive environment in which someone
who is experiencing problems feels comfortable seeking help, and where families and communities feel empowered to link a person in crisis with sources of care and assist the person in attaining or regaining a meaningful life.