Why Matt Ryan Wants to Discuss Minority Mental Health and Suicide

Suicide prevention is personal to me because I was going to take my life in high school. Luckily, a classmate went to a teacher, and the school and my parents stepped in.

That classmate, someone I didn't know well, picked up on signs that I was in crisis and said something — which, if you think about it, is pretty brave for a teenager and also very powerful because students often relate differently to their peers than adults around them. Some warning signs might be more visible to friends than parents.

So, in honor of Minority Mental Health Month, I want to share a few reminders and resources that are helpful whether you currently are or know someone who is struggling with mental health — or realize that someday you might so you want to be prepared.

July is Minority Mental Health Month because leaders acknowledge that minority populations sometimes have different stigmas and barriers to mental health treatment.

"Just as with physical health, disparities exist for minority populations for mental health as well," according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "Such disparities can create greater risk for suffering and mental health problems, and can make access to mental health care more difficult."

They have a whole section of their website dedicated to video interviews, event information and resources —including colorful graphics like this one that are perfect for social media:

The Foundation for Suicide Prevention also has tips for talking with someone who might be struggling with mental health, including videos and important questions to ask. Read more here.

It has become so important in my career to use the platform that I have to open up the dialogue and fight the stigma surrounding mental health. I hope that I can save someone the way my classmate saved me.