September is National Suicide Prevention Month, but it’s always a good idea to remind the community of the resources available to them.
National Suicide Prevention Month was designed to create awareness and promote actions people can take to prevent suicides. When it comes to suicides, the numbers are staggering. There are about twice as many suicides in the United States as there are homicides. Ivanhoe has what you can do to help.
Recommended Videos
The age-adjusted suicide rate in 2022 was 14.21 per 100,000 individuals, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In 2022, men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women.
Douglas Ruderfer, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center says, “Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States; that’s top three among young adults and adolescents.”
The rates of mental disorders linked to suicides are also on the rise. Studies show depression rates in the US tripled in the early months of the pandemic and a study from Boston University found depression now affects one in three Americans.
JooEun Kang, MD, PhD candidate at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says, “We know that depression is a major risk factor for suicide attempt.”
However, some steps can be taken to reduce this risk factor and others.
Ruderfer states, “That oftentimes just starts or can begin with telling someone, a friend, a family member or a doctor, that you are, in fact, struggling.”
And if you know someone who is struggling, you don’t have to wait until they talk to you. Be sensitive and ask them direct questions, such as “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or “Do you have access to weapons or things that can be used as weapons to harm yourself?”
According to studies, discussing suicide can actually reduce the risk of suicide, rather than increase it. Also, encourage them to speak to a mental health professional and never promise to keep someone’s suicidal thoughts a secret.
Here is a list of mental health resources available in Florida.
- UF Health St. Johns Behavioral Health Resource Center - open 24/7 with clinicians on staff and available to assist during a crisis. No appointment is needed.
- EPIC Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 26+, dial 988, and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- EPIC Access Support Center – Walk-in services for mental health at their North Campus, Northwest Campus, and Flagler Campus. If this service is needed, walk-in during hours or call (904) 495-7001.
- Mobile Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 5-25 years old. Dial 988 or 911 and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- Vinson Foundation - A support group for St. Johns, Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, and Orange Park, for families who lost someone to suicide.
- St. Augustine Youth Services: 904-829-1770
- Call 211 - Local experts are available 24/7 to help. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.
- Hope for Healing Florida - Hope for Healing navigates the many ways Floridians can access help for mental health and substance abuse
These resources can be accessed nationwide.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 for help. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or someone you know.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol.
- Veterans Crisis Line - Text 838255 or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
- Crisis Text Line - Text “Home” to 741741
- Teen Line - Text “Teen” to 839863
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.