September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. The goal is to bring more awareness to the issues that surround suicide and break down barriers for people to seek support. Raising awareness about mental health needs and resources that are readily available is an everyday necessity for our community. With this in mind, Riverwood Healthcare Center is promoting resources that are available to the community to increase knowledge and understanding of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
These community resources for suicide prevention are currently available:
- Local Crisis and Referral Service Line, 24 hours a day 7 days a week: 218-828-4357 or 1-800-462-5525.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support. Individuals can also chat online with a trained crisis worker for free 24/7 via the Lifeline Chat.
- #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond. See “How and Why the 5 Steps Can Help.”
- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) – The group works at the international, national, state and local levels to prevent suicide using a public health model in suicide prevention. It concentrates its efforts on education and awareness and does not provide emergency or crisis intervention.
- View the “Warning Signs of Suicide” webpage.
- See the “Questions About Suicide” webpage.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
- AFSP Indiana webpage.
- AFSP is hosting World Suicide Prevention Day All-day Facebook Live event, noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 10.
- Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention – Dedicated to preventing suicide among all veterans.
- HelpGuide – Empowers people with information to help themselves and others with resources and articles such as Suicide Prevention, Are You Feeling Suicidal? and more.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Suicide Prevention – The CDC provides statistics, facts, risk and protective factors and more.
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) – The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization educates, advocates, listens and leads to help build better lives for those affected by mental illness.
- NAMI HelpLine can be reached at 800-950-NAMI (6264) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email info@nami.org.
- Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “NAMI” to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support via text message.
- “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis guide” is a NAMI resource guide for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Mental Health America – The nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness.
- Crisis Center Hotline can be reached at 765-742-0244 (call or text) or toll-free at 877-419-1632 for any problem at any time.
- Mental Health Screening Tools also are available via Mental Health America.
- Talk to your providers about your current thoughts about suicide so that they can guide you to the necessary resources for support.
- Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.
As a community, we can make a difference by starting with our education about suicide and resources to prevent suicide. It is through this education that we can create a community of support for those who are struggling with their mental health.