This article will contain mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

NOTN- September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and advocates in Juneau say the observance is an important chance to break stigma and share resources.

Jessica Gray, of NAMI Juneau, said Alaska continues to face persistently high rates of suicide, with nearly 200 deaths each year.

‘In Alaska, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24,” Said Gray, “Young people don’t want to feel like a burden. There’s so much stigma surrounding the topic as well. We don’t talk about mental health the same way that we talk about physical health.”

Gray noted that free resources are available statewide, including the Alaska Careline and the national suicide prevention hotline. Both are available 24/7 for people in crisis.

NAMI events throughout September have been aimed at creating open dialogue and community support.

A Wall of Remembrance launched during First Friday at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.

Gray said building community connections is one of the most powerful protective factors against suicide.

“That’s why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is so important, because it opens up the conversation, and it gives people a chance to know that they’re not alone, that it is okay to ask for help,” Gray Said “It is okay to have these conversations about such a hard topic. It’s really powerful in that sense, because it builds connection. And we know that connection is one of the primary protective factors for suicide.”

Support group meetings will be taking place for the rest of the month, visit NAMI’s calendar, available at NAMI Juneau’s website for more details.