AFSP New Jersey

Happy Friday 💙

As we head into the weekend, here’s your reminder: you’re allowed to slow down.

Taking a break is not falling behind — it’s taking care of yourself.

Log off. Step outside. Breathe a little deeper.

Your mental health matters. Always.

Construction workers build our communities. Let’s build hope. 🧡

Construction has the highest suicide rate of any U.S. industry. Join AFSP NJ’s Construction Hike for Hope to raise awareness & empower mental health champions.

🗓 May 31, 2026
📍 Dayton, NJ
🔗 supporting.afsp.org/njconstruction

The Power of Community: Reflections From the AFSP Chapter Leadership Conference Each January, something pretty remarkable happens. Volunteers for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention from local chapters across the country pack their bags and travel to one central locati...

There is power in community — and this January, that came to life as volunteers gathered for our Chapter Leadership Conference.

As Chapter Leadership Council member, Amy Grosso, PhD, recaps the event, highlighting moments of connection and learning.

Read: https://bit.ly/4rDelD8

There is power in community — and this January, that came to life as volunteers gathered for our Chapter Leadership Conference.

As Chapter Leadership Council member, Amy Grosso, PhD, recaps the event, highlighting moments of connection and learning.

Read: https://bit.ly/4rDelD8

📅 Save the dates!

AFSP NJ has several upcoming opportunities to learn, connect, and take action for suicide prevention.

🔹 Construction Information Sessions (Virtual)
🔹 Monmouth University Campus Walk

Help create a stronger, more supportive community.

💙 More details: afsp.org/newjersey

In a crisis, access to a firearm at home can change the outcome, especially for minors at risk.

An AFSP-funded study led by Paul Nestadt, MD found Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws requiring safe storage can save children’s lives.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4rInf26

#Science2StopSuicide

HOPE walks here. 💙 And it’s coming to a campus near you.

📍 Monmouth University – 3/29
📍 The College of New Jersey – 4/18
📍 Notre Dame High School – 4/19
📍 Camden County College – 4/25
📍 Gloucester County Institute of Tech – 4/3
📍 Northwest NJ – 4/30

Register today at afsp.org/newjersey 💙

Jersey grit meets burnout: why more NJ workers are taking mental health days New Jersey is seeing a shift as employers embrace mental health days, moving beyond traditional work ethics to prioritize well-being and productivity for a healthier workplace culture.

We’re a state that pushes through Parkway traffic, powers through long commutes, and prides ourselves on grinding it out when the pressure hits.

But maybe it’s time to ask — is New Jersey finally letting go of burnout culture?

Mental health days matter. 💙

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4r3T5W4

It’s #WomensHistoryMonth – and women suicide prevention researchers are making history every day in the quest to learn more.💙

This month, we will be highlighting women researchers who are saving lives and making a difference in suicide prevention as well as research around women's mental health.

Yesterday, AFSP NJ Board Members & volunteers attended the AACT-NOW 2026 Conference: “Self-Care in the Black Community” hosted by NAMI NJ

Grateful to share resources and stand in community for conversations on self-care, healing, and mental health equity. 💙

First of the month reminder:

You matter.
Not conditionally. Not someday. Now.

If you're struggling, call or text 988. You don't have to carry it alone.

Strong Talk: Grieving Is More Than Sadness With April Simpkins Grief is a complex emotion, and for many people, it can often be accompanied by feelings like shame or guilt. But grief can also co-exist with positive emotions like joy — and that’s okay. Everyone gr...

Grief is a complex emotion, but it can co-exist with emotions like joy — and that’s okay.

Mental health advocate @AprilSimpkins_1 opens up to host Vic Armstrong about losing her daughter, former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, to suicide.

Listen to Strong Talk🎧 https://bit.ly/3MOrJVU

Construction Hike for Hope I'm supporting American Foundation for Suicide Prevention!

Suicide impacts the construction industry at a high rate, but there is always hope, and suicide can often be prevented.

🛠️ Support construction worker mental health and join us at a Construction #HikeForHope near you. 💛👷 Register
at afsp.org/hikeforhope

Together, we can make strides in suicide prevention in our school systems. 💙📣

Advocate for this cause and more at your local Advocacy Action Day. Find an event near you at afsp.org/calendar

#AFSPadvocacy

Mental Health Resources for Black and African American Communities In recognition of Black History Month this February, we encourage you to use and circulate the following list of programs and national resources focused on Black and African American mental health and suicide prevention.

Culturally relevant mental health resources are critical in fighting suicide among historically marginalized and underserved communities.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, and all year long, refer to these resources for Black and African American people: https://bit.ly/3ZRx9m3

Check in on your loved ones when stressful life events take place💙

Through research, we know that stressful life events often play a role in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Do you know someone going through it right now? Reach out

Learn more about this #Science2StopSuicide: https://bit.ly/42XLKwR

Tell your classmates mental health matters and attend an #OutOfTheDarkness Campus Walk.

These walks are our signature student fundraising series, designed to engage youth in suicide prevention.

Register: afsp.org/campuswalks

💙 Sunday reminder: be gentle with yourself.

Rest counts. Progress isn’t linear. And doing your best looks different every day.

Take it slow. Give yourself grace. You’re doing more than you think. 🤍

You don’t have to carry your grief alone — community, connection, and support are here for you.✨ 💙

Join long-term survivors of suicide loss for a weekend of connection, understanding, and empowerment. Register: afsp.org/survivorsummit

Did you register for the 2026 Chicago Overnight on June 13th? 💙🌃

Join us for another unforgettable evening of walking, hope, and community. Register now: theovernight.org/register

#TheOvernight

Anyone can be an advocate. The only requirement? Passion 💙
You don’t need to be an expert or have tons of time. Even one minute a day can make a difference.

Learn how to get involved: afsp.org/advocacy

#AFSPadvocacy

💙 It's okay to ask for help.

You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you or someone you love needs emotional support, you can call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential, and available 24/7.

You matter. Your feelings matter. Help is always within reach. 🤍

💬 Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention

🗓 Feb 24 | ⏰ 6–7 PM ET | 💻 Zoom

Learn warning signs, how to start the conversation, and ways to help prevent suicide.

🔒 Attend anonymously
🔗 https://forms.office.com/r/YAfybVtpTE

Save the date for the 2026 Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit 💙

Join fellow long-term survivors of suicide loss for a weekend of connection, understanding, and empowerment.

Register at afsp.org/survivorsummit

This week, join us for a presentation on suicide prevention for Black and African American communities, created by and for Black people.

Join us for L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities: https://lets-bhm.attendease.com/

Veterans and their communities need our support. 💙

By attending Talk Saves Lives: Supporting Our Veterans, you can learn about the impact of suicide among veterans, along with practical ways to recognize warning signs for suicide, and more.

Learn more: afsp.org/tsl-sov

We can't wait to be back in Chicago for our 2026 Overnight Walk! 💙

The 31st Overnight Walk will start and end at Navy Pier on June 13, 2026 ⚓ 🚢. We hope to see you there! Register at theovernight.org

#TheOvernight

This #ValentinesDay, AFSP is full of love for ✨YOU.✨

Whether you're a volunteer, loss survivor, suicide prevention advocate, attempt survivor, walk participant, or someone interested in our mission, we feel immense gratitude for the role you play in preventing suicide. 💖☺️

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love.
It’s about reminding every person that they matter.

You are not alone.
You are loved.
You are worthy.
You belong here.
💛

#AFSPNJ #YouAreNotAlone #ValentinesDay #MentalHealthMatters

This #SelfLoveDay, take a moment to appreciate the amazing person you are and the relationship you’ve built with yourself. You are deserving of all the love and care. Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential. 💖