Helping individuals in crisis: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide is a national public health issue.
The American Association of
Suicidology reports that, in the U.S., nearly 45,000 individuals
died by suicide in 2016. In addition, the organization said suicide is the 10th
leading cause of death, with an average of one person taking his or her own life
every 11.7 minutes.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health believes
suicide – and suicide prevention – should continue to be part of a national
conversation to:
- Help eliminate the stigma so individuals in crisis can obtain the care and treatment they need; and
- Promote resources for those looking to support friends and/or loved ones who are at risk of suicide.
In September, Devereux joins others in observing the following
dates/times of year related to suicide prevention and awareness:
- September – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
- September 9-15 – National Suicide Prevention Week
- September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
“All
three observances carry a simple and potentially life-saving message: Suicide
is preventable,” said Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief
Clinical/Chief Medical Officer Dr.
Yolanda Graham.
“If you are suffering, help is just a phone call or text away. And if you know
someone who is suffering, resources are available so you can be a lifeline to
someone who needs comfort and support.”
Recognizing the warning
signs
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) encourages us all
to understand and recognize the following warning signs:
- Threats
or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can
begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here,” but can
become more overt and dangerous
- Increased
alcohol and drug use
- Aggressive
behavior
- Social
withdrawal from
friends, family and the community
- Dramatic
mood swings
- Talking,
writing or thinking about death
- Impulsive
or reckless behavior
What you can do …
- For individuals in
crisis: If
you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a friend, family
member or doctor, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
(8255). You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to
be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on its Crisis Text Line.
- For those who want to
help their friends/loved ones: Reach out and check-in regularly. Listen and
encourage the individual to seek professional help. To learn more, visit NAMI’s
Suicide Prevention Awareness Resources page.
Devereux can help
Devereux is committed to providing
trauma-focused care – along with innovative programs and services – for
children, adolescents and adults with emotional and behavioral disorders in community
and residential settings. Click here to learn more about our Specialty Mental Health
programs and services.
To
learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and its culture and
history of helping individuals and families in need of hope and healing, click here.
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