September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for all of us to come together with passion and strength around a difficult topic. Everyone can benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life. 

Join the movement at www.BETHE1TO.com

#BeThe1 – Take the 5 Steps

• #BeThe1 to Ask - Ask the tough question: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
• #BeThe1 to Be There - Listen with compassion and empathy.
• #BeThe1 to Keep Them Safe - If the individual is thinking of suicide, ask them how they would do it and separate them from anything they could use to harm themselves.
• #BeThe1 to Help Them Connect - Connect the individual to supports - clergy, family, friend, coach, co-worker or therapist this provides a network to reach out. 
• #BeThe1 to Follow Up - Check in with the individual on a regular basis. This connection can make a difference.

This month is also a time to spread hope and vital information to individuals affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Resources

• If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
•  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 suicidepreventionlifeline.org
•  Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255

Melissa Koch | Juvenile Behavioral Health Specialist | Rehabilitative Services