Greetings, DBHDD supporters! September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and this is an especially important issue to discuss right now. In fact, talking about suicide out loud—regularly, repeatedly, and thoughtfully—is part of the solution. I’ll say more about what YOU can do regardless of your age, skill level or background. But first, let’s remember what we ALL can do, and that is to offer a message of hope. Each life matters, and we know that help is available. We also know that treatment for issues related to mental health and addiction can save lives. Hope comes in the form of the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL). In every way possible, please share the number: 1-800-715-4225 to increase awareness of the support that is available 24/7 statewide.
Now let’s talk about what DBHDD is doing in response to the fact that suicide rates have increased at a disturbing rate across the country. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between ages of 10 and 34. Our alarm and concern must be grounded in an evidence-based, multi-tiered approach that reaches individuals, families, caregivers and communities, and uses public policy, education, prevention and intervention strategies, and community planning to confront this problem. Using research data to drive priority target populations and geographic areas, we facilitate suicide prevention coalitions that work with faith, business, and civic leaders alongside community service boards and other local providers to disseminate education and training and to promote access to GCAL and community-based services. If the tragedy of suicide occurs, our partners work to mitigate the risk of contagion by providing grief support, making physical contact for emotional respite, and most importantly, helping reduce the stigma of mourning the loss of a loved one by suicide.
Through a network of suicide prevention experts, DBHDD supports training and technical assistance to grow professional and organizational capacity building, so that providers can offer 21st century suicide prevention support; address the most complex cases of mental health and substance abuse disorders; and ensure that more Georgians who are at-risk for suicide behaviors are screened and connected to care.
So far in 2018, through our collective internal and partner efforts, approximately 600 providers and community members have been trained in two proven gatekeeper suicide trainings: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Additionally, DBHDD supports evidence-based and best practices to target suicide screening and interventions for vulnerable individuals, such as youth and young adults; people with specific mental health diagnoses, substance use disorder history, chronic health conditions; and those with prior documented attempts. A focused statewide effort includes collaborating on multiple levels in all six regions of the state, working with community service boards, the Georgia Department of Education, colleges/universities, civic organizations, law enforcement, public and private clinicians, community groups, suicide survivors, and many, many other stakeholders.
It’s important to understand that when it comes to suicide prevention – there is something YOU can do. If you are concerned about someone who may be considering suicide, remember these four action steps: ASK-LISTEN-STAY-HELP.
Ask openly and compassionately, ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ Listen to the person without judgment; avoid trying to ‘fix it.’ Stay with the person if he or she is suicidal; keep him or her safe until help arrives. Help him or her find the right kind of help. Call the Georgia Crisis Access Line (GCAL) anytime at 1-800-715-4225. Together, we have the power to decrease the prevalence of suicide and reduce its devastating impact on families and communities in Georgia.
