You Matter: Spreading Positive Mental Health through Early-Intervention

This is a guest post from Gabriela D. Acosta, the community manager for the University of Southern California’s MSW programs.

Around the world, suicide is a major public health problem and is the leading cause of death for young people. Every 40 seconds the world loses someone to suicide. Worldwide, nearly 1 million people succumb to suicide each year, a number that exceeds deaths from war and homicide combined. The first step to comprehensive prevention is two-fold: education and early-intervention work.

Education is one of the most important tools available to eradicate the stigma of mental illness and reduce the global suicide level. The USC Masters of Social Work program is doing its part by building the 100 Voices for Suicide prevention collaboration with more than 45 leading voices in the suicide prevention field who have contributed guest posts, podcast interviews, PSAs, and resources to help raise awareness in honor of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. By working together to help eliminate the stigma, we can help people to feel more empowered to seek support when they need it.

Early intervention work is also a critical component in suicide prevention. We all have our battles, but no one should have to fight them alone. For this reason, we have also initiated the You Matter campaign to help spread positive mental health through acts of caring. It’s always a good time to reach out and remind someone that you care, show someone that you appreciate them, or perform a random act of human kindness.

We urge you to take 30 seconds today to reach out and tell someone why they matter to you. Download a You Matter Care Card from our blog and say the things you think, but always forget to say: http://bit.ly/YouMatterBecause

Need inspiration? Read our post on 60 Ways to Use a Care Card.

What is the You Matter Campaign?

The USC School of Social Work is sponsoring the You Matter campaign to facilitate human connection and promote positive mental health. Use the You Matter Care Cards as expressions of appreciation or simply to tell someone you care.

We challenge you to take this opportunity to perform as many random acts of kindness as you can. Best of all, it’s free and simply reaching out could have an impact on someone’s life.

Be sure to tag us @MSWatUSC on Twitter and Facebook, @youmatterbc on Instagram and use #youmatter on all social platforms.

Seeking “You Matter” Ambassadors:

Volunteer Ambassadors would help to spread the word about the You Matter campaign in their community. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming an ambassador for this campaign, please have them reach out to the USC School of Social Work Community Manager, Gaby Acosta social@msw.usc.edu.

Thank you and remember, #youmatter!

Gabriela D. Acosta is the community manager for the University of Southern California’s MSW programs, one of the most innovative and dynamic social work graduate programs online. She is passionate about social justice, community organizing and leadership development. Find us on Twitter @MSWatUSC

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