Suicide affects all ages and groups
Throughout the month of September, mental health organizations around the country recognize Suicide Prevention Month. However, working together to develop our collective understanding and awareness of suicide in order to prevent it is something we need to be doing every day. Talking to a counselor about any questions you have about how to help support others or how to get help for yourself is a great place to start.
Call or Text 988
The 988 Lifeline is a suicide and crisis lifeline, which uses a network of 200+ local crisis centers to connect people with 24/7 free and confidential support.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth is at risk. Please advocate for LGBTQ+ youth mental health and tell your legislators to support and continue to fund the 988’s specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth.
ÀÖ²©´«Ã½SUICIDE RESOURCESCrisis Center Information
In addition to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the following resources are available if you, or someone you know, need help:
- : 1-800-273-8255, press Option 1
- : 1-877-565-8860 (U.S.) or 1-877-330-6366 (Canada) The Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer-support service for trans and questioning individuals in crisis. All operators are trans-identified.
- : 1-866-488-7386 The only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people under 25.
- : A free, confidential, secure service in which LGBTQ young people can text a trained Trevor counselor for support and crisis intervention, available Monday–Friday from 3–10pm ET / Noon–7pm PT by texting START to 678678.
- : Crisis Text Line is a crisis-intervention hotline that conducts conversations exclusively by text message. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day.
- : 1-800-985-5990 - SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- : Warm lines are confidential, peer-run listening lines staffed by people who have experienced mental health conditions themselves.
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Helping a School Community Heal after Suicide
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How gendered norms and expectations affect men’s mental health.
Taking a culturally responsive approach to suicide assessment
The recent rise in suicide rates among marginalized communities highlights the need for counselors to use culturally responsive practices when assessing suicide risk.
As veteran suicide rates continue to rise, counselors can incorporate creative clinical approaches to better serve those who serve us.
Suicide attempt survivors: How counselors can help with disclosures
Because suicide attempt survivors are at higher risk for both fatal and nonfatal suicide attempts, disclosure of past attempts is an important aspect of their mental health treatment.
Taking a strengths-based approach to suicide assessment and treatment
By embracing a holistic, strengths-based and wellness orientation in their work with clients who may be suicidal, counselors can improve on traditional approaches to suicide assessment and treatment.
Making it safe to talk about suicidal ideation
By sensitively — yet straightforwardly — addressing the topic of suicide, counselors can encourage clients to open up about an issue that too often remains shrouded in shame and stigma.
General Public Resources from the Counseling Corner
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed, Building Emotional Resilience Can Help
Life is full of challenges that can leave you feeling drained. Whether it’s managing a family household, maintaining good grades at school or dealing with stressful work responsibilities, everyone encounters times when they are trying to cope with too many things. Juggling life’s responsibilities can become overbearing when it feels like there is no solution to lighten the load you are carrying.
The ability to cope during trying times is a skill known as emotional resilience. It can help you to adapt and overcome adversity, stress, trauma or other significant life events that may cause anxiety. Practicing emotional resilience does not mean you will not experience emotional or mental distress, but it can equip you with the tools to manage these feelings effectively.
The Benefits of Learning to Cope
Being able to manage hardships and setbacks is a skill that can enhance your quality of life. Mentally, it can reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Maintaining effective coping strategies can lower stress levels and improve your overall physical well-being. In addition, you can enhance communication and empathy in your personal and professional relationships, and approach challenges with a clear and focused mind.
Nine Ways to Build and Strengthen Your Resilience
Here are some key skills and strategies to help develop and maintain healthy coping habits:
- Cultivate Self-Awareness: Practice mindfulness to stay present and aware of your thoughts and feelings. Recognize your emotions and understand their impact on your behavior.
- Develop a Positive Mindset: Reframe negative thoughts into positive ones by focusing on your strengths and achievements.
- Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Approach challenges with a solution-first mindset. Learning from past experiences can help you avoid repeating mistakes.
- Maintain Physical Health: Eat a balanced diet and get adequate sleep. Exercise regularly to boost endorphins and reduce stress.
- Practice Stress Management Techniques: Allocate time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Use relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga that can help restore calm.
- Seek Professional Guidance When Needed: Consult a counselor to work through complex emotions and a medical professional about health-related issues.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down large tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small accomplishments to help build confidence.
- Strengthen Your Social Connections: Build a strong support network and engage in community activities to foster a sense of belonging.
- Create Space for Calm: Organize your personal space to create a calming and nurturing environment by, for example, adding plants or arranging your space to take advantage of natural light to your home or workspace.
Special thanks to Rhonda L. Niemeyer, LPC, NCC, for her contributions to this article.
Additional Suicide Prevention Resources for Counselors
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