September Marks Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month: A Call to Action

September 18, 2024

CARROLLTON, Mo. – September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting actions that can help save lives. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), an average of 135 suicide deaths occur each day, with an estimated 1.6 million suicide attempts in 2022 alone.

Carroll County Memorial Hospital’s (CCMH) Senior Life Solutions (SLS) joins forces with mental health professionals nationwide to raise awareness about suicide and encourage education that could prevent future tragedies. Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is an opportunity for everyone to assess their own mental health and that of those around them. Understanding the signs and knowing how to get help are vital steps in making a difference.

“Suicide is a public health crisis that affects people from all walks of life,” says Mindie Stovall, CCMH SLS program director. “By coming together to raise awareness and educate our communities, we can create a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health and seek help when needed. We all have a role to play in preventing suicide, and it starts with understanding and compassion.”

So, what should you do if someone you love may be having thoughts of suicide? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s #BeThe1To campaign outlines five actionable steps that anyone can take to help prevent suicide:

1. Be the One to ASK.

• Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide can be daunting, but it is a crucial step. Direct questions like, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” can open up a critical dialogue, allowing the person to share their feelings and providing them with much-needed relief.

2. Be the One to BE THERE.

• Being present for someone in distress can make all the difference. Whether through physical presence, a phone call, or a text message, showing that you care and offering support without judgment can help reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

3. Be the One to KEEP THEM SAFE.

• If you believe someone is at immediate risk, take steps to keep them safe. This could involve removing access to means of self-harm and staying with them until help arrives. Creating a safe environment is crucial in preventing a crisis.

4. Be the One to HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED.

• Establishing a network of support can provide ongoing encouragement and assistance. Connect them with friends, family, community resources, or professional services such as therapists and counselors. Ongoing support like the 988 Lifeline or Crisis Text Line at 741741 can also provide crucial help.

5. Be the One to FOLLOW-UP.

• After the initial crisis has passed, follow-up is vital. Regular check-ins reinforce that you care and are committed to their well-being, providing continued support and helping them feel valued and connected.

Suicide prevention is a responsibility we all share. By following these five steps, anyone can play a role in supporting those who may be struggling. The #BeThe1To campaign empowers individuals to make a difference in their communities, emphasizing that small actions can have a significant impact. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. For those experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Carroll County Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or a chronic diagnosis.  If you or someone you know is struggling with a decline in their mental health, our program wants you to know we are here to help. Whether through our program, or another service, our team works to identify and address the emotional needs of those in our community and provide support. 

For more information or you or someone you know could benefit from this program, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Call us today at 660-329-6088

For more information about the services at Carroll County Memorial Hospital, visit our website http://www.carrollcountyhospital.org or call 660-542-1695.

Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities. PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 30 states. The company's services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems.  For more information, visit www.seniorlifesolutions.com.

Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), the area’s premier healthcare resource, is a 25-bed Critical Access facility serving Carrollton and the surrounding communities. It offers 24-hour emergency care, specialized services such as advanced diagnostics, post-acute skilled care (swing bed) and comprehensive family care. CCMH is dedicated to the Health and Well Being of All We Serve. For more information, visit carrollcountyhospital.org.