Northwest Missouri Suicide Prevention Coalition

06/02/2026

While we know that many factors can affect your mental health, we also know that community is a protective factor against su***de. 💙

Community provides a safety net of people who care and can reach out when someone may be at risk. It is a useful and lasting way of strengthening our own mental health while being there for one another. 🫂✨

05/31/2026

05/27/2026

More teenagers and young adults die from su***de than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED.

Each day in our nation, there are an average of over 4,000 attempts by young people in grades 9-12. If these percentages are additionally applied to grades 7 & 8, the numbers would be higher.

Four out of Five individuals considering su***de give some sign of their intentions, either verbally or behaviorally.

05/10/2026

Losing a loved one to su***de leaves you with so many questions. What could I have done? Why didn't I see it? Wasn't I a good enough friend, sibling, parent? It can make celebrations like Mother's Day difficult.

You may spend the day enjoying your family. You may decide to spend the day alone. There may be tears, there may be laughter. However you choose to celebrate today, this is your reminder that you have made a positive impact on someone out there.

Happy Mother's Day to all the women out there who have brightened someone's life just because you are you!

05/03/2026

To the Mothers Who Carry Loss

​Today is International Bereaved Mother’s Day. While the world prepares for traditional celebrations, we want to pause and hold space for the mothers whose arms are empty but whose hearts are forever full of love. Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, whether it happened during pregnancy or after your child had grown—today, we see you. We honor your journey, your resilience, and the enduring bond you share with the child you carry in your heart.

​Honoring Your Heart
​Grief is not a linear path; it is an ocean that ebbs and flows. On days like today, the waves can feel particularly high.

Please remember:
​Your Motherhood is Valid: You are a mother. The love you give is real, and the loss you feel is a testament to that profound connection.

​There is No "Right" Way to Grieve: Some find peace in ritual and remembrance, while others find strength in quiet reflection. However you navigate this day is exactly how you need to.

​You are Part of a Sisterhood: Though it is a club no one wishes to join, you are surrounded by a community of women who understand the depth of your experience.

​Gentle Ways to Care for Yourself Today
​Set Boundaries: It is okay to step away from social media or skip gatherings that feel too heavy today.

​Create a Moment of Honor: Light a candle, plant a flower, or write a letter to your child. These small acts can provide a safe harbor for your emotions.

​Allow the Tears (and the Smiles): If you feel like crying, let it out. If you find a moment of joy, let it in. Neither diminishes your love or your loss.

​Say Their Name: If you feel comfortable, share your child’s name with a trusted friend. Keeping their memory present is a powerful form of healing.

​"A mother’s love does not end with a heartbeat; it continues in every breath she takes, every memory she holds, and every life she touches."
​To every bereaved mother in our community: You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.
​If today feels too heavy to carry by yourself, we are here.

📞 988 | Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
📱 Text HOME to 741741 | Crisis Text Line
🌸 Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773

​

05/02/2026

988 and 911: Know who to contact to get the right support at the right time.

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

​"More Good Days, Together."

​Sometimes, a "good day" doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Sometimes, it simply means making it through the difficult moments and choosing to stay. This May, Northwest Missouri Su***de Prevention Coalition is reflecting on how we can support one another in finding more of those good days—because no one should have to navigate the darkness alone.

​The Reality We Face
​Awareness is the first step toward action. Understanding the numbers helps us understand the urgency of our mission:
​The Power of One: 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition this year, but 5 in 5 of us have mental health to look after every single day.

​Signs of Hope:
Recent data shows that su***de rates among youth and young adults (ages 15–34) have begun to decline—decreasing by 4% between 2023 and 2024.

​The Work Continues:
While we see progress, the overall su***de rate remains 32% higher than it was two decades ago. Every statistic is a person, a story, and a reason to keep fighting for better support.

​Finding Your "Good Day"
(Coping Skills)
​On the days when hope feels heavy, try leaning into these small, grounding practices:

​The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Ground yourself by noticing 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

​Movement as Medicine: You don't need a workout; just a five-minute walk or a gentle stretch can shift your perspective and lower cortisol levels.

​The "One-Hour Rule": When things feel overwhelming, don't look at the week ahead. Just focus on getting through the next hour.

​Reach Out: Silence is where the struggle grows. Text a friend, call a loved one, or reach out to a professional. There is immense strength in saying, "I’m having a hard day."
​You are not a burden. You are a person navigating a human experience, and your presence makes the world brighter.

​If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7.
📞 Call or Text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)
📱 Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
​ ***dePrevention

04/02/2026

Grief doesn’t move in neat stages. It can show up in the present (your day-to-day life), reach back into the past (memories, regrets, longing), and hit you in the future (milestones, fears, what will never be). And sometimes it all shows up at once.

If you’ve been thinking, “I should be further along,” this is your reminder: you’re not doing grief wrong. You’re experiencing how big grief really is.

Save this for the days you need the reminder.

Read more: https://whatsyourgrief.com/the-only-grief-timeline-that-matters-past-present-and-future/

09/25/2025

💜 There is always hope
By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent su***des and save lives.

Reach out to the for help and support 988lifeline.org/learn/