National Suicide Prevention Month
September is national suicide prevention month. In the month of September, mental health professionals and advocates work together to raise awareness about suicide and share or create resources available for the public.
Mental health professionals and advocates work in effort to destigmatize suicide, which is one of the top leading causes of death around the world — and rates are continually raising. There are numerous resources available to anyone and everyone that is currently suicidal, as well as anyone who knows someone that may be in a crisis.
Resources That Make A Difference
One of the top resources that is available from anywhere 24/7 is the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number. 988 works by connecting anyone in crisis or anyone with a loved one in crisis with a professionally trained crisis counselor via text, phone call or online chat 24/7. The professional team at 988 can then connect the person(s) in crisis to resources close to where they physically are.
The goal of 988 is to talk the person out of their crisis whether it is suicide ideation, substance abuse or another type of crisis in the moment. The counselors are trained to talk them out of the crisis and connect them with resources that they need in the time, whether it be a medical need, mental health need, etc.
What To Do If Someone You Know May Be In Crisis
If someone you know is in crisis, you can be a crucial part in aiding them in that vulnerable time.
- If they are acting especially withdrawn, you can simply ask how they are doing. Sometimes they just need someone there for them.
- Be there for them in this hard time.
- Offer them something you know they enjoy or something they may be needing.
- Stay with them and keep them safe.
- Make sure they aren’t able to injure themselves.
- Lead them out of an unsafe situation if necessary.
- Connect them with 988 or another local resource.
- Make sure they have resources in place — not only for the time being, but for their continuing care as well.
- Stay connected with them and be a person they can count on.
- Be a person that is reliable for them and check in on them often.
- Follow up with them about their mental health.
- Make sure they actually are able to get to their continued care therapy appointments.
- Make sure they are able to regularly take medications they are prescribed.
- Make sure they have health coping skills and mechanisms.
About Michiana Behavioral Health Center
Michiana Behavioral Health Center is a facility located in Plymouth, IN that provides care to adults, children and teens experience emotional crisis and mental distress. Our services are respectful and dignified as we take a holistic approach with our treatment methods. We provide thoughtful and ethical care to those struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse and more.
We also offer personalized and targeted care, making it easier for us to cater to each patient and their family. Our team makes it a priority to be responsive to each patient’s needs during difficult times. Our team of professional psychiatrists, master-level clinicians and child-trained physicians are board-certified and dedicated to delivering quality mental health care. Some of our programs that reflect this are our children and adolescents, adults and telehealth program.
To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information please call (800)795-6252.
