Hi welcome to Talking with Donna, I am glad you are able to join me. As this month comes to a close today I will be sharing with you information concerning Suicide Prevention month.
(*. Disclaimer:If you or anyone you know are challenged with mental health challenges, please seek professional mental health services. This information is not for replacement of diagnosing or a substitute for treatment or therapy. This information is for educational purposes only. *)
A little history a little help: Suicide Prevention Month
Why was September chosen to be Suicide prevention month? I was curious, so I did a little research this is what I found out.
The history of suicide prevention in the United States has evolved over time, with increasing attention to the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. Here’s a brief historical overview.
In the the United States, suicide was often viewed through a moral or religious lens. It was stigmatized, and prevention efforts usually focused on addressing the moral or criminal aspects of suicide.
A growing recognition of suicide as a public health issue begin during the late 19th and early 20th century when efforts were made to gather data and statistics on suicide rates, which led to a better understanding of the problem. During the mid-20th century there was an emergence of organized suicide prevention efforts. In 1958, the American Association of Suicidology was founded, dedicated to the study and prevention of suicide. This marked a turning point in the systematic approach to addressing suicide.
During the early 1960’s, the federal government began to play a more active role in suicide prevention. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funded research on suicide prevention, leading to the development of crisis hotlines and suicide prevention programs.
n 1999, The Surgeon General of the United States released the first-ever Surgeon General’s Report on Suicide. This report highlighted the need for a comprehensive, public health approach to suicide prevention. A momentum began to take hold and Suicide prevention efforts continued to evolve, with a focus on public awareness campaigns, reducing stigma, and expanding mental health services. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) was established to provide immediate assistance to individuals in crisis.
In years to come suicide prevention has gained increased attention with growing efforts to address suicide among specific populations, such as veterans and LGBTQ+ youth. Mental health parity laws have been enacted to improve access to mental health services.
Still, if you look at the current data suicide remains a significant public health challenge in the United States. Factors such as access to firearms, limited access to mental health care in some areas, and societal stigma these challenges remain present. Efforts have evolved from a moral and criminal perspective to a more compassionate and public health-oriented approach. Efforts are still needed to prevent, reduce suicide rates and improve mental health care access and quality.
I like to mention according to an online resource “The Guardian”, the first suicide hotline was not created in the United States but in the UK by a Reverend Chad Varah who was a phenomenal pastor, side note please read his story and how this came about. I was privy to this information during my graduate years.
I still never really found out why the month of September just that is was arbitrarily chosen and adopted worldwide.
Suicide does not happen in just September. It doesn’t happen in just one month, or just to adults, to people challenged with mental health issues, it doesn’t just happen to the elderly, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities. It doesn’t just happen to police, soldiers or dentist. It doesn’t just happen to men or just women. It doesn’t just happen to the rich or the poor. It has no judgement on whom It effects.
It happens to all the above plus some for whatever reason it does happen. Be aware not just this month, every month as it happens every second, minute, hour of any day within any month of the year.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide in the United States, please seek immediate help and support. Here are several resources available:
1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It’s a free, confidential 24/7 helpline staffed by trained professionals who can provide support and resources.
2. Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to provide support via text message.
3. 911: In emergencies where someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
4. Veterans: Veterans and their loved ones can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255 for support.
5. LGBTQ+: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678.
6. Online Chat: Some organizations, like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, offer online chat support for those who may not want to or cannot call.
7. Local Mental Health Services: Contact local mental health providers, clinics, or hospitals for immediate assistance.
8. Please I cannot stress this enough Talk to Someone You Trust: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist to share your feelings and thoughts.
It is important to remember that there are people who care about you and your well-being. They are ready to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of these resources. Your life is valuable, and there is hope, even in difficult times.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide in the United Kingdom, here are several organizations and resources available to provide support and assistance:
1. Samaritans: Samaritans is a 24/7 helpline that provides confidential emotional support to anyone in distress, including those who may be contemplating suicide. You can reach Samaritans by calling 116 123 (free from any phone) or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.
2. NHS 111: In urgent situations, you can call NHS 111 for immediate medical advice and support.
3. Papyrus: Papyrus is a charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. They provide support and resources for young people under 35 who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call their Hopeline at 0800 068 4141 or text “HOPELINE” to 07860039967.
4. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): CALM is a leading movement against suicide, offering support to men in the UK. You can reach them at 0800 58 58 58 (5 pm to midnight every day) or use their webchat service.
5. Mind: Mind is a mental health charity in the UK that offers information and support. While they don’t provide crisis helplines, they can guide you to local resources and offer helpful information.
6. Local Mental Health Services: Contact your local NHS mental health services or crisis team for immediate assistance. You can find local services through the NHS website or by calling your GP.
7. Emergency Services: In life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 or go to the nearest A&E (Accident & Emergency) department.
Please remember that seeking help and talking to someone about your feelings is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people who care and organizations ready to provide support and assistance when you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Your well-being is important, and there is hope for a better tomorrow.
International helps for people considering Suicide:
If you or someone you know is considering suicide and you need international help, here are several global crisis helplines and organizations that offer support. These services are available to people around the world:
1. International Suicide Prevention Helplines: These helplines can provide immediate assistance and emotional support. Some of them include:
– Befrienders Worldwide: A network of emotional support helplines in over 30 countries. Find a helpline in your country on their website: https://www.befrienders.org/
– International Suicide Hotlines: A directory of crisis hotlines around the world: https://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
2. The Samaritans: A global organization offering emotional support to those in distress. You can email them at jo@samaritans.org, and they have local branches in many countries.
3. Crisis Text Lines: Crisis Text Lines like Crisis Text Line (US/Canada) and Shout (UK) provide support via text messaging.
4. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): This organization offers resources, information, and support related to suicide prevention globally. Their website: https://www.iasp.info/
5. The Trevor Project: Focused on LGBTQ+ youth, The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services internationally. You can text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200 or visit their website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
6. Online Crisis Chat Services: Many crisis chat services are accessible internationally and can provide immediate support via text chat.
7. Local Mental Health Services: Seek assistance from local mental health services, clinics, or hospitals. They may be able to connect you with resources specific to your region.
8. Emergency Services: In life-threatening emergencies, dial your country’s emergency number or go to the nearest emergency roo
A friend of mine has an hearing impaired child so she asked me why I didn’t include hearing impaired resources in my blog as they are faced and impacted with the burden of finding limited resources for the hearing impaired, so Shelly (not her real name) if you are reading this I am starting today and will make every attempt possible to find resources. I thank you for correcting my oversight, I will do better now that I am aware….
Suicide help for hearing impaired people in America:
In the United States, several suicide prevention and mental health support services are available for individuals who are hearing impaired. Some of these services include:
1. National Deaf Life Crisis Text Line: The National Deaf Life Crisis Text Line offers a crisis text line specifically for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. You can text “DEAF” to 741741 to connect with trained crisis counselors via text.
2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides a 24/7 toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). They also offer TTY (Text Telephone) services for those who are hearing impaired at 1-800-799-4889.
3. Crisis Text Line: While not specific to the hearing-impaired community, Crisis Text Line (Text “HELLO” to 741741) offers text-based crisis support that can be accessed by anyone, including those with hearing impairments.
4. Local resources: Many local mental health organizations and crisis centers offer services and support for individuals with hearing impairments. You can search for these resources in your specific area to find tailored assistance.
It’s important to reach out for help if you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or struggling with mental health issues. These services are there to provide support and assistance regardless of communication needs.
International Suicide help for hearing impaired:
If you or someone you know is hearing impaired and in need of international suicide help, here are several options available:
1. Befrienders Worldwide: Befrienders Worldwide is a global network of emotional support helplines. They provide confidential support through phone, email, or chat. While services may vary by location, some centers offer support for those who are hearing impaired.
2. Crisis Text Lines: There are crisis text lines available in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. These text lines offer support via text messaging and can be accessible to the hearing impaired.
3. Online Crisis Chat Services: Many countries have online crisis chat services that provide support through text-based chats. These services can be accessed by individuals with hearing impairments and may be available in multiple languages.
4. Local Resources:Depending on your location, there may be local mental health organizations or crisis centers that offer support for individuals with hearing impairments. It’s a good idea to search for such resources specific to your country or region.
When seeking international suicide help, it’s essential to find resources that can accommodate your specific needs, including communication barriers related to hearing impairment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations and remember that there are people available to provide assistance and support in times of crisis.
I Thank you for supporting me and continuing to support me. In my upcoming post I will be covering Persistent Depressive Disorder, and I feel I would be doing you a dis-service by limiting it too one part of the subject matter. So, it is a series of information I will be sharing with you on into October.
I’d like for you to join me here on my Blog “Talking with Donna” where I will continue to provide information on mental health. Also, you can listen to my podcast also named “Talking with Donna”, where I provide meditation for stress relief or just for relaxation and although they are old (as I haven’t had a chance to record new meditation as of yet.)
If you haven’t already, please check it out. I can be found on these platforms: Spotify, Apple podcast, Google podcast, Overcast, Stitcher, Amazon music, Pocket cast and iHeart Radio.
Again, thank you for joining me. Please Remember to, Like, Share and follow. You can also email me at talkingwithdonna@gmail.com.
Remember if you or someone you know are challenged with mental health issues, please seek assistance. Remember that you’re not alone, and there are people and organizations around the world dedicated to providing help and support for those in crisis. Reach out to one of these resources, and they can guide you or your loved one toward the assistance you need. Your well-being is important.
Again,
Thank you,
Donna
Talking with Donna 