These Suspenders Are Saying Something!
Have you seen friends wearing them recently and wondered, “What are these
suspender t-shirts all about?” Suspenders4Hope are the national symbol for community
support of mental health developed by psychologists at Wichita State University.
Showcasing real stories of hope, help-seeking and resiliency, the Suspenders4Hope
program aims to increase connections and promote positive mental health dialogue.
The strength of the #WeSupportU program is the combination of an evidence-based
preventing suicide training, advocate program, wellness curriculum and the
Suspenders4Hope awareness campaign. Together, these elements contribute to a
culture that supports mental health and encourages wellness.
Many people struggle with suicidal thoughts and moments of suicidal crisis. While one
life lost to suicide is one too many, it is important to remember that more than 99.5% of
people recover from suicidality. Overcoming a personal crisis is a triumph to be
celebrated and not a shameful thing to be kept secret. Being vulnerable and sharing
personal stories is what helps us heal, lets others know they are not alone, and
encourages people to get help. When equipped with knowledge of warning signs,
intervention strategies and crisis resources, many of us may have an opportunity to not
only help ourselves overcome mental health challenges, but also to support a friend,
family member, coworker and others during a crisis.
Wichita State University started the #WeSupportU Suspenders4Hope Mental Wellness
and Suicide Prevention Program in 2015 when the Counseling and Prevention Services
team was awarded a SAMSHA Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grant.
Suspenders4Hope is a comprehensive, strategic approach to mental wellness and
preventing suicide, substance abuse and sexual violence.
The program remains an integral part of WSU’s mental wellness outreach efforts on
campus and in the community. Encouraged to continue developing engaging content,
Suspenders4Hope is fast becoming a staple of many private and public organizations’
mental wellness efforts and has spread to many states.
Everyone has a positive role to play in promoting mental wellness, healthy connections
and supportive communities. Together with #WeSupportU Suspenders4Hope, individuals and organizations across all industries, sizes and structures can implement this comprehensive prevention program.
Increase connections and reduce barriers to mental healthcare when you celebrate
recovery and resiliency with love, hope and evidence-based training. Go to
www.suspenders4hope.com and take the free Preventing Suicide Training and learn
more about mental wellness resources. Then help spread the message by engaging
@Suspenders4Hope and use the #WeSupportU hashtag to promote positive mental
health in your community.
