Therapist talks about the Suicide Awareness Month

Jonesboro, Arkansas – September marks the month of awareness about suicide. This is an opportunity to bring attention to this situation.

During Suicide Awareness Month, we want to break the taboo of suicide by supporting, encouraging, and uplifting individuals who are struggling. It’s a conversation that can provide challenges.

Arisa Health licensed social worker Destiny McGee discusses awareness.

“Talking to someone about mental illness because you think they might not fit that profile or category is a big misconception because mental illness is across the board,” the speaker stated. “We don’t want to miss anyone because we think they might not be experiencing a difficult time.”

She also discusses the early warning indicators, which include any significant life changes that have an impact on a person’s mental health, such as changes in mood, way of life, or financial situation.

“The years between 10 and 14 are incredibly dangerous. Anyone who has just experienced a death in the family or a significant shift in their financial situation,” she said.

Preventive and intervention strategies, as well as the actions that family members and community members can take to try and assist, are topics of much discussion.

“They say suicide is 100% preventable based on us having connections and therefore being connected to loved ones being connected to community events, extracurricular activities,” she remarked. “Connection is the biggest thing.”

She claims that there has been a noticeable shift in the dialogue on mental health and suicide.

“I’m really happy that times have changed a little bit and it is now more conversational. There used to be this idea that if you bring it up, that it will put it in somebody’s head,” she remarked.
McGee wants everyone to know that asking for assistance is OK and that you should never hesitate to do so.

“Asking for assistance is acceptable; there’s no need to feel guilty about it,” she stated. “It’s okay to ask for assistance when we need it, and for those who are close to us, it’s acceptable to discuss and form relationships with others so that people understand they are not alone.”

A selection of resources that may be useful to you in looking after your mental health is provided below.

Resources:

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

• It provides Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as options for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It is only available in the United States. A 24-hour online chat service is also available.
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988.
• The Lifeline’s previous number, 1–800–273–8255, can still be dialed at any time.

211 is for people in crisis who need emergency referrals to social and community services but are not experiencing an emergency.

The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24-hour, toll-free hotline that provides phone, webchat, and text options available to military veterans and their families.

• It provides options for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
• The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached at 988 or 1–800–273–8255, followed by Pressing 1.
• The hotline can also be reached by texting to 838255. It can additionally be reached by online chat on the Veterans Crisis Line website.

The Crisis Text Line is a 24/7, nationwide crisis-intervention text message hotline

• The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741–741.

Samaritans USA is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide throughout the United States.

The Youthline is a free teen-to-teen crisis support and helpline run by a nonprofit. Between the hours of 4 -10 pm PST daily, teens are available for peer support via phone and text. Otherwise, the line is staffed by adult crisis responders 24/7.

• CALL (24/7): 877-968-8491
• TEXT (4–10 pm PST): ‘teen2teen’ to 839863
• CHAT (4–10 pm PST)

We Are The 22 is an organization focused on direct veteran suicide prevention.

• For expedited support, you can reach our Response Coordinator on duty at 1-855-932-7384.

Arisa Health 24/7 Crisis Line: 800-356-3035

• Warm Line: 833-236-2131