Mental Health: Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. It is essential to know that suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. The effects of suicide reach far beyond the act itself. Friends, family, and communities feel the pain left long after suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Between the ages of 15-34, it is the 2nd leading cause and 3rd between the ages 35-54, according to the CDC and National Institute of Mental Health. In 2017, there was more than twice the number of suicides than homicides.

How common are suicidal thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts, unlike other health-related issues, do not discriminate. Any age, gender, ethnicity, or background can suffer from suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts can often be traced to untreated mental health conditions. Though common, suicidal thoughts should never be considered to be normal or healthy.

September is to raise awareness

Nebraska ranks among the lowest in the United States for suicide. That does not minimize the impact of even one person taking their own life. Being aware and prepared can save a life. Many organizations, like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), share stories of encouragement and resources to help people struggling with suicide as well as their friends and family. Resources can help know the warning signs and risk factors that proceed with an attempt.

Information

There are many resources dedicated to suicide prevention. To help understand people struggling with suicidal thoughts and to educate yourself here are some of them:

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• National Institute of Mental Health
• The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
• Center for Disease Control
• Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Crisis Text Line
• HelpGuide
• SAVE
• The Trevor Project

Get help

Here at Kearney County, we provide several mental health services.

Amanda Hall-Warburton is a licensed Mental Health Practitioner, Certified Professional Counselor, and a Certified Social Worker. She provides confidential counseling to individuals, couples, and families for a variety of issues that may be difficult to manage alone.

Suzanne Gregg is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She can provide diagnostic and therapeutic services for individuals of all ages. Suzanne can provide psychological testing for children, adolescents, and adults. She can also provide evaluation services and medication management.

Ruth Jones has a Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. She is a part of our Senior Life Solutions team and specializes in providing outpatient counseling for older adults over the age of 65. Primarily the counseling is done in a group setting, but she also offers individual sessions as well.

Crisis Resources

• Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one is in an emergency.
• The National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 is available at any time to discuss difficult and suicidal thoughts
• NAMI provides a number to text for those uncomfortable discussing their feelings over the phone 741-741

It is worth stating that though September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, the challenges happen every day, all year. We can all benefit from an honest and open conversation about mental health. One conversation can save a life.