sept. 10 is world suicide prevention day

I am ready for this #WSPD2020 in my @TWLOHA #WorthLivingFor shirt as I prepare to teach my class at #GreenvilleIndoorRowing! Masked up and physically distanced, #IAmLivingFor helping folks in my community reach their goals and improve their physical & #mentalhealth. 🧡 #Concept2 pic.twitter.com/oADeCGwixA

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 10, 2020

Rader's deepest passion was for creating and playing video games. That's why this #WSPD is the perfect time for me to share again @TakeThisOrg, a fantastic #mentalhealth and #suicideprevention resource focused on the gaming world. Thank you guys for your lifesaving work! https://t.co/0PuAlD7o5O

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 10, 2020

Take two minutes to watch a beautiful little film from @IASPinfo: #StepCloser #WSPD https://t.co/olquNSEd98

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 10, 2020

#bethe1to be there

If someone you know is thinking about suicide, take the next step and #BeThe1To #BeThere. Listen to their reasons for feeling hopeless and in pain. #Listen without judgment and with compassion and empathy. #SPM20 #NSPW #notalone #hereforyou https://t.co/ed7yh2bvIH pic.twitter.com/HdeGQINuMt

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 9, 2020

#keepgoing twitter chat today

Last week, @afsp joined the @Action_Alliance #BeThere Twitter chat & shared the crucial info below. Today (in just a few minutes, at 2pmET), you can participate in AFSP’s #KeepGoing chat, w/experts from @AASuicidology, @HRC, @jedfoundation, @Movember, and @NAMICommunicate! #NSPW https://t.co/TEbE6OKD48

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 8, 2020

Mario Monday: off on his next journey

A lifelong friend sent me this Instagram pic by @/mrs_fowkesandkidz, saying, “I had tears in my eyes thinking of Rader off on his next journey.” Said she knew it might upset me. It doesn’t; I love it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your #grieving friends. #MarioMonday #Mario pic.twitter.com/7uANlwBPbl

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 7, 2020

It’s Mario Monday again! A long-time friend sent me this picture a few days ago, with the message, “Thinking of Rader off on his next journey.”
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She said she sent it with tears in her eyes and knew that although I might find it upsetting, she was sending it with love for us both. Even though it’s a stark reminder that Rader is not with us anymore, it’s not like I ever forget that anyway. And it means so much to know he is still loved and thought of and missed.
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I’m incredibly grateful for my friend who pushed through her own discomfort — and the insecurity of maybe doing the wrong thing — to say and do *something.* Yes, it’s hard and uncomfortable and a little scary to interact with someone who is grieving. It’s so much easier just to hold your tongue so you don’t say something hurtful or awkward, or avoid them so your discomfort doesn’t make them uncomfortable as well. But my friend understands: My loss means I’m already in pain. But I can be in pain alone, or someone like her can reach out and companion me in that pain.
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Now for the details of the awesome photo! It’s from Kate Fowkes, a mum in the UK who created the photo op for her son’s first day back to school after 6 months’ lockdown. She shared it in a large public Facebook group, which is where my friend saw it. I looked her up on Instagram, and here it is. This particular kid, I gather from her other posts, loves Mario just as much as Rader did. Have a fantastic year at school, kiddo!

suicide prevention week: #keepgoing

Today begins National #SuicidePreventionWeek, and @afspnational is on the front lines. Check out the #KeepGoing campaign to get involved. You don’t have to be a #mentalhealth professional to make a lifesaving difference. https://t.co/p1YaT1uZqz pic.twitter.com/03SvFoNm45

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 6, 2020

SPM20: help is out there

Here’s a #SuicidePrevention Month article from my local paper, quoting experts from @NAMICommunicate Gville, @scdmh_osp/@Dgillan, and @MHAGreenville. It’s a quick read with info you’ll find useful whether you’re in SC or elsewhere. #SPMhttps://t.co/g3vQA7QRHp via @gvljournal

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 5, 2020

I am living for everything Rader didn't get to do

Here’s my #WSPD20 kit from @TWLOHA, with t-shirt, posters, stickers, postcards, and bracelet. #WorthLivingFor pic.twitter.com/9MhjKOQmKR

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 4, 2020

spreading the message #YouAreNotAlone

Want to help me share lifesaving information this #SuicidePreventionMonth? Or are you in need of that info yourself or for a loved one? @scdmh_osp and @NAMICommunicate have you covered. ❤️💙💛 #whileibreatheihope #survivethemoment #beheretomorrow #BeThe1To #wspm2020 https://t.co/2tHBLWJIja

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 3, 2020

South Carolina Department of Mental Health, Office of Suicide Prevention was formerly known as SCYSPI. I’ve changed the name, description, and links on our mental health resources page.

#BeThe1To ask

If you think someone might be considering suicide, take the first step & #BeThe1To ask. Ask directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” I wish I’d asked Rader about suicide specifically instead of just asking if he was ok. Studies show asking directly can save lives. #spm20 pic.twitter.com/GfMLU9lBkJ

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 2, 2020

In observation of Suicide Prevention Month, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be releasing a series of graphics that will list the 5 steps you can take to help someone in suicidal crisis. I’ll post one each week throughout September. Learn more about them by visiting bethe1to.com. I also have a bunch of other resources to share, so stay tuned.

september is suicide prevention month

It’s #SuicidePreventionMonth. (🎨: @/yourcounselorfriend Instagram) @TWLOHA has a #SuicidePreventionDay package w/t-shirt, bracelet, stickers, postcards, and posters, with proceeds supporting their lifesaving work. See their pinned tweet for details. #worthlivingfor pic.twitter.com/ORStdofEwu

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) September 1, 2020

#MarioMonday: netflix releases video game history doc

#MarioMonday! Have you seen the new @greatbigstory #videogame history documentary #HighScore on @netflix? It's narrated by voice of #Mario @CharlesMartinet! I haven't watched yet but can't wait. Tell me how you liked it!https://t.co/YI3O8Dzhvd via @YouTube

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 31, 2020

happy international whale shark day!

Happy International Whale Shark Day! Our whole family fell in love with whale sharks on Rader’s 14th birthday, which we spent at the Georgia Aquarium. Georgia is the only aquarium in the Western Hemisphere with whale sharks.
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First photo is one of the four whale sharks in the second-largest-by-water-volume tank in the world. Next pic (in the tweet below) is the plushies in the gift shop. So snuggly! Third, my college kid Matt’s new whale shark model in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. And lastly, the souvenir we bought, a handcrafted glass ornament made by Dynasty Gallery.

Did you know today is #InternationalWhaleSharkDay? Our family fell in love with whale sharks at @GeorgiaAquarium on Rader’s 14th birthday. I even brought home a #glassart #whaleshark ornament (@dynastygallery). And now we have a model of one in #animalcrossing #newhorizons! pic.twitter.com/K5tNUuJqsR

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 30, 2020

georgia o'keeffe knows what we're going through

#GriefAwarenessDay is tomorrow! Follow @griefmother for more brilliant works of #collage and #wisewords. I’m really feeling this quote from #GeorgiaOKeeffe. ❤️💙💛 #pandemiclife #grief #somuchwaiting #loveandloss #griefmother pic.twitter.com/vqeX3S04yF

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 29, 2020

just in time for grief awareness day

Check out the grief support resources at healgrief.org. And here’s a quick link to the article shared.

Sunday is #GriefAwarenessDay, so now's a fine time to make a new #griefsupport recommendation: @HealGrief. They have an app (mentioned in the article below) that I'm going to evaluate for you. If it's great, I'll tweet about it! Look around their website for more resources. https://t.co/Q5FnukuiPH

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 28, 2020

the tide will turn

You guys know how much I like #DaniDiPirro of #PositivelyPresent! Here's another boost of #encouragement from her, quoting #HarrietBeecherStowe. Be sure to follow @positivepresent if you haven't already. https://t.co/nPV5o9WhkN

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 27, 2020

family hopes their loss will help others

Here's a compelling article about postpartum depression and suicide, well worth your time to read. #PPD is something that can happen to any new mother, but may disproportionately affect women of color. ❤️💙💛 #BreakTheStigma4Nima #youarenotalone #notalonehttps://t.co/GwU1SeQPI0

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 26, 2020

conversations #worthlivingfor

#SuicidePrevention nonprofit @TWLOHA is hosting talks leading up to #WorldSuicidePreventionDay Sept. 10. Join the #WorthLivingFor conversations at 5pmET today on Instagram and 4pmET Thursday on Facebook. Learn more about the campaign at https://t.co/SA0ELeHoPm. https://t.co/jErp1fqGiq

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 25, 2020

Mario Monday: gifts from friends!

#MarioMonday gifts-from-friends edition! Sharing his love for all things #Mario is one of the ways we remember Rader daily. Sometimes our friends get in on the action, too, sending us treats like this set of stylish #socks and some cool #questionmarkblock mugs! 🍄 #mariomerch pic.twitter.com/DEWJpsFAMq

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 24, 2020

do what brings you joy

I 💕love💕 this message from Eliza Todd. Follow her for more like this. Have a peaceful Sunday! 🌸🌼🌺 https://t.co/4gPE44H3I5

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 23, 2020

systemic racism is a problem in suicide prevention

Quick links: the Mashable article; the racial equality toolkit.

I’m starting with @PSuyemoto’s #racialequity toolkit (Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention Alliance for Equity). https://t.co/O2tge4li0s

— Rader Ward Foundation (@RaderWardFound) August 22, 2020