September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Every year, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention.
A notable change is the recent addition of 988 as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. While many are familiar with the still active 1(800)273-TALK crisis lifeline, users can now dial 988 to access the same crisis resource. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. This resource is available to anyone, not just veterans or service members.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one that needs crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can reach a trained crisis counselor. There is a need for 988; too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental-health related distress without the support they need, and sadly, the pandemic only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes, for people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death, and from April 2020 to 2021, over 100,000 individuals died from drug overdoses. Yet there is hope. The 988 Lifeline helps thousands of struggling people overcome suicidal crisis or mental-health related distress every day.
Throughout the month of September, the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Suicide Prevention team will be providing information and displays to raise awareness about what each of us can do to raise awareness and take action.
The theme is #BeThe1To – be the one to ask how someone is doing, be the one that is there for someone in need, be the one to keep them safe, be the one to help them stay connected, and be the one to follow up.
SAMSHA offers the following tips:
Ask: Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring fashion.
Be there: Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
Keep them safe: Studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
Help them stay connected: Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
Follow up: Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
Finally, you can make a difference. Take some time to learn a little more about what you can do by visiting the SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention website (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988). For more information, contact the YPG Suicide Prevention Program Manager/Employee Assistance Program manager, Scott Zaehler at scott.r.zaehler.civ@army.mil or (928)328-2249.
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