Suicide Prevention

Training for CTL starts in May.  It's just a volunteer service... but I couldn't be happier.

Thanks to everyone for the love and support.  You guys rock.

Mental health is not only something that is important to me, it's affected me personally.  If you know anyone in crisis, there are many resources to help.

1)  There are phone numbers to call.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline:  1-800-273-8255.

The National Hopeline Network:  1-800-784-2433.

And, of course:  9-1-1.

2)  There are phone numbers to text.

You can text CONNECT or HELLO to 741741. 

In today's world, many prefer texting to talking.  This resource can help many who feel more at ease with communicating via SMS.

3)  There are online resources.

Many online resources have programs, information, and even personal stories that can help support those in need.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

NAMI: 
http://www.nami.org/

The Mighty: 
https://themighty.com/

4)  This may go without saying but... Doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists... etc. 

Take it from me.  Often times suicidal depression is not a one time thing.  Therapy, meds, diagnoses, and treatments of all kinds can sincerely help.  Best case scenario?  They give you a clean bill of health.  Worst case?  You receive the treatment you need.

5)  There are tons of books. 

There is a myriad of literature available that details effective coping skills to prevent and help those considering suicide.  Whether it's self-help, a workbook, or one about a specific mental illness, they can be very effective.

6)  There's also social media.  As a parent, I wouldn't recommend this.  As someone who has used it, I wouldn't recommend this.

People can take advantage of people in distress and some who respond actually goad the individuals into following through.  Teens may also reveal personal information to someone masquerading as a teen.  That being said...

A lot of teens and adults will reach out via social media.  It could be because they feel too ashamed to tell someone that knows them.  Or that they don't want to be labeled as "crazy."

Regardless there are apps out there where teens and adults find talking about it to help.  There are statistics that even support social media as a means to avoid it.  Whatever the case, it helps some people.  Just be cautious, mindful, and safe if you use it yourself... And talk to your kids about the dangers of it as well.

I can tell you this.  From the age of 14, I have been dealing with depression.  I have contemplated suicide.  I have overcome suicide.  I have used every resource on this list.  And I'm lucky, truly blessed that I'm standing here today.

There's a lot of years and memories that could have never happened. 

I was told years ago that my likelihood of reaching 30 was 20%.  I turned 30 last year.

There are resources.  There is help.  There is hope.

And no matter how alone you feel please know...

You're not alone.