Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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 10^th 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.

		Recreational Therapy Month: Enriching the lives of youth, adults with disabilities February is Recreational Therapy Month. Learn how Devereux is using recreational activities and programs to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences acquire new skills, boost their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.
		Community supporters make holiday season special for Devereux Pennsylvania youth The holidays are over, but the memories remain of a special season filled with joy and gratitude for youth served by Devereux Pennsylvania. Through Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services’ “Operation Santa” program, community supporters, as well as center staff and their families, donated hundreds of toys to help fulfill the holiday wish lists - and more - of approximately 300 children and adolescents living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
		Devereux article on engaging families in behavioral health treatment featured in Behavioral Health News An article written by Devereux National Director of Behavioral Health Services Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D., and Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article - “The integral role of families in promoting mental health and managing mental illness” - discusses the importance of family engagement in behavioral health treatment.
		Adults share personal experiences on services through Devereux New Jersey’s Advisory Board Adults who receive services through Devereux New Jersey - who also sit on the center’s Advisory Board for individuals served - have an opportunity to make their voices heard and share their personal experiences on the services they receive.
		Autism Spectrum News features Devereux article on supporting individuals with disabilities in becoming self-advocates An article written by Devereux team members on supporting teens and adults with disabilities in becoming self-advocates was recently featured in Autism Spectrum News. The article includes interviews with three individuals who are enrolled in Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program as they offer tips on how to ensure your voice is heard.
		Devereux New Jersey Direct Support Professional/Lead Staff Nacole Moore Devereux New Jersey Direct Support Professional/Lead Staff Nacole Moore leads by example and is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Learn how she is inspiring all those around her.
		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Arizona Nursing Manager Tammy Maguire At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do - and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Arizona Nursing Manager Tammy Maguire is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Devereux article on advocating for those who are nonspeaking or minimally verbal featured in Autism Spectrum News Read this Autism Spectrum News article written by Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, as she offers suggestions on how to advocate for those who are nonspeaking or limited in their verbal communication.
		Planting seeds of learning: Devereux California’s greenhouse program helps adults grow job, life skills Adults who participate in Devereux California’s greenhouse vocational program are gaining more than a green thumb, they are cultivating critical job and life skills to help them increase their independence and enhance their overall quality of life.