It is estimated that five U.S. soldiers attempt suicide every day. An estimated 38% of active duty soldiers and 50% of National Guard who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan report mental health issues. A recent survey done for Half of Us found that about 50% of all college students know someone who is either currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan or who has been deployed there at some point. The Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act will require the Department of Defense to implement comprehensive suicide prevention programs within all branches of the military, including the National Guard and the Reserves. Make your voice heard and ask your senator to support this important act.

The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act provides funding for suicide prevention programs on college campuses. Ask your senator and representative to sign on to a letter supporting these efforts.

Active Minds develops and supports student-run mental health awareness programs on campuses across the country. Students work to create environments where mental health issues can be discussed openly; provide information about campus, community and online resources; and link up students and the mental health community.

Find a chapter on your campus, or start one today.

Have you had personal experience with mental health issues yourself or through someone you know? Sharing your story helps others who are dealing with the same issues understand that they aren’t alone and that they can reach out for support. Help other students and fight the stigma by emailing us your story.