TELL: Mental Health Support in Japan

Dear Friend,

Prioritizing and maintaining mental health can be challenging. Many potential barriers exist such as cost, language, stigma, and even our own beliefs about how we should cope. Mental health challenges can lead to loneliness and isolation, which can lead to depression, which can lead to suicide.

Suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death in the world. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, 20,320 lives were lost to suicide in 2024. That accounts for roughly 56 deaths per day. Although the overall trend is declining, Japan experienced a record high 529 suicides among minors last year.  Suicide is also the leading cause of death for people ages 15-39 in Japan.

TELL is here for the community. Whether that be an anonymous conversation on the Lifeline, ongoing support through the clinic, or outreach events and workshops, we want to be here, as we have been for the past 52 years. And we want to be able to offer more! Increased hours of lifeline service, increased accessibility of counseling, and outreach programs that can truly reach all of Japan. TELL is especially proud the Lifeline has improved its accessibility by going toll free.

By supporting TELL, you have supported our vision.

Through the year of 2024, we delivered:

• Over 9,411 connections on the Lifeline
• 11,264 sessions in TELL Counseling
• Over 130 community workshops, events, and trainings attended by 7,700 people

We couldn't do this without you and your support. Your donation has truly made a difference as we continue our work in the community. From all of us at TELL. Thank you for joining in our mission to provide mental health support and prevent suicides in Japan.

With much appreciation,

The TELL Team