September is Suicide Prevention Month.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a crucial time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and the importance of mental health support. This month serves as a powerful reminder for us all to focus on the struggles many face, often behind closed doors, and to encourage open conversations about mental well-being. Suicide has become the second leading cause of death for those aged 12-19 and is a global issue affecting millions, cutting across all demographics and communities. By fostering awareness, we can help dispel the stigma surrounding mental health issues, making it easier for you and your loved ones to seek help and support without fear of judgment.
Social factors such as education, employment status, and income can deeply affect the risk of suicide. These elements often interact in complex ways, influencing an individual's mental health. By understanding and addressing these social factors, we can offer better support and help prevent suicide. Building stronger community connections, promoting open discussions about mental health, and ensuring inclusive practices can greatly improve our efforts in suicide prevention and enhance the overall well-being of our loved ones. Working together, we can create a more supportive and compassionate environment for all.
You are never alone. Help is always available.
Suicide is preventable, and help is always available.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the resources below:
- Call, text, or chat the 24/7 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are standing by to assist those experiencing suicidal thoughts or a substance use or mental health crisis.
- Sheppard Pratt’s Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinics in Towson and Elkridge provide immediate psychiatric triage for those in need. Click here to learn more.
- Sheppard Pratt’s Care Navigation Team provides referrals to trusted, quality behavioral healthcare providers. Call 410-938-5000 to speak with a Care Navigator.
And, check out blogs and info from Sheppard Pratt experts below:
Suicide Prevention Resources from Sheppard Pratt Experts
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Urgent care for mental health: How a Maryland clinic is helping thousands of patients
In the NewsPublished:The nation is currently experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis marked by a critical and growing demand for mental healthcare services, with more people going to the emergency room for psychiatric crises than ever before. Learn how our Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinics have helped meet the increased need for mental health services.
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Rethinking Self Harm
Mental HealthPublished:What you need to know and how you can help
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Suicide Prevention at Home and in School: What You Should Know and How You Can Help
Mental HealthPublished:Understanding how to recognize youth who may be at risk is a critical step in suicide prevention among school-aged children and adolescents.
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Finding Help and Hope
Mental HealthPublished:As I’ve written about before, just like a cold, suicide can be contagious. Youth suicide increases after a death in school settings and suicide rates often increase…
Additional Recommended Resources
National Institutes of Mental Health
Learn the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for those in crisis, as well as contact information to connect you to support resources through the National Institute of Mental Health’s suicide prevention site.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 to those experiencing distress or crisis.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) provides valuable information and crisis resources aimed at helping you understand the warning signs of suicide so you can be better prepared for a crisis.
You are not alone.
If you're experiencing a mental health problem, you are not alone: help is here. Sheppard Pratt offers more than 160 programs - discover personalized care that fits your needs.