Do you sometimes feel The Darkness?
The truth is, you are not alone and you don’t have to struggle alone. There are millions of people every year who struggle with their mental health; over 19 million of those people suffer from anxiety disorders. More than 6 million men have depression smothering them; meanwhile, mental illness, in general, is more than 9% more prevalent in women than in men. (Forbes)
Ordinary and extraordinary people alike, every single day, suffer from issues with mental health. There are probably people you speak to all the time masking their inner turmoil and trying to be strong. In 2021, almost 23% of American adults experienced mental illness and for more than 5% it was severe. (NAMI) More than 57 million visits to the doctor are made each year for mental health treatment, and it’s not all for adults either. But these numbers would be referring to those who speak out and receive help. (CDC) The sad reality is that not everyone seeks help. According to USA Today, 2 out of every 5 people suffering will refuse to seek help.
If you need to talk, someone is always willing to listen. Call 988 any time 24/7 to seek help. YOU MATTER.
Chances are, you know of someone dealing with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, most people have had their lives touched by suicide to some degree. The rate of suicide from 2020 to 2022 shot up by around 36%. More than 13 million Americans consider suicided or have suicidal thoughts each year and by 2022, suicide broke into the top nine leading causes of death amongst adults in the US. (CDC)
Adults aren’t the only ones affected though, our youth are in danger, too. A survey in 2021 revealed that about 10% of youth in grades 9-12 have attempted to cut their lives short with female students attempting suicide at almost twice the rate of male students. (AFSP) For our babies ages 10-14, suicide is the second leading cause of death. (CDC) It’s apparent that age is no protection from mental health struggles; this is truly a human issue.
In 2022, more than 49,000 lives ended by suicide
That’s approximately 1 death every 11 minutes.
13.2 million people have thought about suicide
3.8 million people have made a plan
1.6 million people have attempted suicide
94% of people believe suicide is preventable.
That’s great news because community means so very much! Having a support system and people to go to can make all the difference. That’s why Dirty DAHG Productions is proud to support a wonderful non-profit organization called AL;VE – Music For Mental Health.
AL;VE – Music For Mental Health aims to help prevent suicide and promote mental health awareness through community. They use events and music to bring people together. They open the lines of communication to have discussions about mental health awareness and help to create and promote programs and services that help people in their darkest hours.
Even better news is that another event is upon us! AL;VE – Music for Mental Health, The Second Chapter for the Black Hills on September 21st! Aby’s in Rapid City is a great spot for the party and AL;VE has a great lineup of music! There will be a raffle and door prizes as well as a guest speaker. September 21st is a wonderful night to come together in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Click HERE to get your tickets to AL;VE – Music For Mental Health; The Second Chapter
Do you feel called to get involved?
Coming out for the event would be an amazing move! But it’s not the only way to take a step forward in effort to help those struggling, it’s not even the only way to be involved in the show!
Share Your Story
So many people have struggled and so many people still feel alone. If you feel called to share your story about overcoming challenges or suicidal thoughts, please send your story (500 words or less) to Kristin by September 13th. What you have gone through could inspire and provide hope for someone else still wrestling with darkness. Email kristinerickson81@gmail.com and be a beacon of hope for others by sharing how you have overcome struggles of your own.
Band Sponsorship
Events of the magnitude of this benefit concert tend to have a great many super talented artists and musicians. These same artists and musicians always need a comfortable place to stay while they are in the area. This brings a wonderful opportunity for businesses or individuals to get involved by providing that safe and comfortable space. Plus, it’s a really neat opportunity to meet new people, and get free tickets to the show! See more details in the infographic below. Email mr.rcsimmonz@gmail.com
Business Sponsorship
Locally owned businesses are such an integral part of the community for many reasons including the way they give back to the community through sponsorship. We know there’s an awful lot of places to put that money, but sponsorship of the AL;VE – Music for Mental Health event would be a truly wonderful way to show support for the struggling members of the community. It would be partnering with a really great organization to actually make a difference in the community while also getting the name and brand of the sponsors out there for everyone to see. Every sponsor is sincerely appreciated! Just email mr.rcsimmonz@gmail.com and be a part of something wonderful.
