Suicide Awareness Month: A Moment of Recognition

Today marks the last day of National Suicide Prevention Month. I wanted to take the opportunity to pause and reflect on the efforts of the Psych Congress Network, our Steering Committee Members, Section Editors, Collaborators, and the entire audience, who work tirelessly to help bring peace and understanding to the millions of people struggling with mental health disorders.

At the start of the month, we shared the alarming rates and statistics of those who suffer from suicidal ideation, those who have attempted to take their own lives, and those who have lost their lives to suicide, and noted the increase in youth and adolescents who struggle with this choice.

As the month concludes, it feels fitting to ask that we take a moment to recognize that suicide is not a decision that people come to easily or without contemplation, but it is the heart-breaking end to the journey of someone who has lost the battle with their mental health wellness.

As clinicians and researchers, you are on the frontlines assisting your patients in these struggles; providing them the tools, or weapons, if you will, to continue their battle and journey forward. As we have seen the need for mental health support increase through the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts have not waivered. You have embraced the changes in telemental health and other treatment options to provide the highest quality of care to your patients.

For that, we are immeasurably grateful. Grateful for your compassion, efforts, and flexibility to continue working with those in need.

Our gratitude extends beyond just being thankful for your efforts with your own patients, but also with one another. As we have seen from numerous studies, stories, and shared personal experiences, providers are suffering high levels of burnout, as well as with their own existing mental health struggles.

So, I would like to ask that each of you remember yourselves as well. Remember your own well-being and mental health. Remember to take pause and practice the mindfulness you teach, remember to continue to check in on one another, and remember to take the time to look into your toolboxes, or arsenals, to ensure you are practicing self-care.

I am humbled by the opportunity to help facilitate mental health news, broadcast your voices, and share new ideas and treatments for the millions who are struggling. So, as we move into October, let’s continue to work together to make the entire year about suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach to out 1 of the following organizations that are available 24/7:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of more than 150 local crisis centers. It offers free and confidential emotional support around the clock to those experiencing a suicidal crisis.
  • Phone: 1-800-273-8255

  • Online chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

• Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource staffed by qualified responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Anyone can call, chat, or text — even those not registered or enrolled with the VA.
  • Phone: 1-800-273-8255; for the hearing impaired: 800-799-4889

  • Text: 838255

  • Online chat: www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat 

• Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line is a free text messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis. Since August 2013, more than 79 million text messages have been exchanged.
  • Text: HOME to 741741.

• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth through its hotline, chat feature, text feature, and online support center.
  • Phone: 866-488-7386

  • Text: START to 678678 (Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)

  • TrevorCHAT: (instant messaging, available seven days a week 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse): The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national helpline offers confidential treatment referrals in both English and Spanish to people struggling with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. In the first quarter of 2018, the helpline received more than 68 000 calls every month.
  • Phone: 800-662-HELP

  • TTY: 800-487-4889