Spreading Support & Hope for National Suicide Prevention Month

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If you or someone you know is struggling with anything, help is out there. Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 support. The 988 phone line serves all languages. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical issue and requires immediate assistance, please call 911.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. A month to support those struggling, lift our voices to reduce the stigma around mental health and raise awareness of mental health resources available. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. While common, these thoughts should not be considered normal and indicate more serious issues.

Research shows that in 2022, an estimated 13.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide. We know that there is still a very present stigma around mental health as well as barriers to mental health treatment, which plays a part in people reaching out for help. Hope is out there. 988 is the new 3-digit Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by text, call, or chat. 988 offers judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. This new 3-digit number, implemented in 2022, replaced the 1-800 mental health crisis number that began in 2005. 988 offers someone to talk to, someone who will come to you, and somewhere to go for people who are either experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or are in emotional distress. No issue is too big or too small for 988. Reach out for support.

Warning Signs:

  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Increased drug or alcohol use
  • Anger or sudden mood changes
  • Feeling hopeless, desperate, trapped
  • No sense of purpose
  • Reckless behavior
  • Withdrawal or isolation
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Changes In sleep patterns or eating patterns
  • Putting affairs in order
  • Giving away possessions

Understanding the warning signs of suicide is important for anyone. It allows us to check in with ourselves or others and reach out for support, if needed. If you or someone you know is showing any or a combination of these behaviors, call, text, or chat 988.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of the most significant challenges in suicide prevention is overcoming the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the mental health support they need. These barriers are often rooted in stigma, lack of access, and fear of judgment. Addressing these obstacles is essential to creating a safe environment where people feel empowered to seek help.

The stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly suicidal thoughts, remains a major barrier. Many people feel afraid to admit they’re struggling and often feel judged. To reduce this stigma, we must normalize talking about and receiving help for mental health struggles. Mental health should be viewed as equally important as physical health. We must establish a judge-free, supportive environment for all.

For many people, admitting that they need help isn’t enough if they can’t take the next step to access mental health services. Did you know, Georgia ranks #4 in business but #48 in access to mental health care? It’s critical to advocate for accessible mental health services, including affordable therapy, virtual counseling options, and community-based programs. By expanding the availability of these services and ensuring they are equitable, we can reduce the number of individuals who feel alone in their struggles.

This really is an issue that is between life and death. The more we as a society raise awareness, reduce the stigma around mental health, and break down the barriers to receiving care, the more lives we save.

How to Support

Many individuals are not trauma-informed and don’t know what to say or do to support loved ones experiencing a mental health crisis or exhibiting suicide warning signs. NAMI has released a toolkit for Suicide Prevention Month, which includes some ways to respond to an individual who may be struggling.

  1. Let them know you are listening
  2. Show your support by just being there with them
  3. Encourage them to keep talking (if appropriate)
  4. Ask them about changes in their life and how they are coping
  5. Be direct if you suspect they’re thinking about suicide
  6. Stay calm and reassure them help is out there
  7. Follow their lead in conversation
  8. Help them connect

There is hope.

Disclaimer: It is important to acknowledge you may not be a trained mental health professional and professional help is available by calling, texting, or chatting 988 anytime.

Resources:

Upcoming Cobb Collaborative and Partner Events

In part of a grant we have received for 988 messaging efforts, we would appreciate your feedback on some 988 promotional materials. Take the short survey here. Thank you for your valuable feedback that will improve messaging for 988.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anything, help is out there. Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical issue and requires immediate assistance, please call 911.

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