Letter to the Editor: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Unfortunately, our region continues to experience an increase in the number of individuals who need support and care. Social isolation, mental illness, and difficult life transitions can play a role in the increased risk for suicide, but we also know that connectedness and a sense of belonging can protect against suicide.

There are many ways you can help yourself or someone who might be struggling. In addition to seeking help from crisis service and mental health professionals, there are concrete actions the general public can take to keep our family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors safe. As a community provider, closing the gap for those who are in suicidal crisis in critical to ensure that anyone at risk has a safe place to go, someone to talk to and someone to care.

It is imperative that our the community is equipped with hope, resilience, and the tools to feel empowered. People needing help can contact 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that provides 24/7 confidential support, the Veterans Crisis Line for Military Veterans, or the Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth.

Be the one to save a life.

Garrett Hamilton
CEO, Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents