Suicide Prevention Month in September and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
With the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in place for over a year, 2023 Suicide Prevention Month is a significant observance. For the first full year, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is in place as a national resource. During Suicide Prevention Month, mental health advocates, survivors, and allies highlight available resources.
Indeed, people struggling with thoughts of suicide or suicidal ideation now have access to support. In 2023, a key message being promoted by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is that “You Are Not Alone.”
As a provider of integrated behavioral healthcare services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) understands the importance of Suicide Prevention Month. People and treatment providers come together during this period to raise awareness and provide quality information. For example, if people do not know about the availability of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they will not reach for this tool when in dire circumstances.
Youth Awareness and Suicide Prevention Month
A key message from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: “988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.”
Moreover, such a message of availability becomes even more critical concerning youth. Multiple studies have shown that youth are willing to use resources if they are guided by adults and shown specifically how to use them. Regarding youth, with an emphasis on direct guidance, raising awareness and providing education is a critical step.
By letting youth know that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 with trained crisis counselors, you open the door to survival. Once young people learn about a resource, they will use it in a crisis if shown how to use it. Initially, a little hand-holding tends to be a necessity with young people, but such extra care often saves lives.
TTC Provides Youth Mental Health First AID Training
In addition, TTC offers Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training in our communities and beyond. By making the training virtual on Zoom, TTC provides greater access while also ensuring the safety of the participants. YMHFA training teaches participants how to identify the signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts. Becoming proactive, the training shows how to provide appropriate support and resources. All of these trainings are key efforts in suicide prevention.
Indeed, there is no better way to observe Suicide Prevention Month than to arm yourself and your fellows with Youth Mental Health First Aid training. Continuing to make a positive impact in our communities, TTC offers a new training session this November. To help you move forward with this choice, here is a link to register for November’s YMHFA training.
As a Youth and Family Treatment Services provider, TTC wants to underscore the importance of such services. When youth and their families access educational resources, they use them in practice. When a juvenile is in crisis, the whole family is in crisis. Thus, a key part of 2023 Suicide Prevention Month is providing quality support for youth and their families. In an advisory report reported on by Tarzana Treatment Centers, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, underscored the critical importance of making youth mental health a national priority.
2023 Suicide Prevention Month = You Are Not Alone!
In the image above, the multitude of ribbons in a line represents hope and togetherness. During Suicide Prevention Month in September of 2023, please tell people in crisis that “You are Not Alone!” Indeed, help is available, including valuable resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline.
By educating the public and raising awareness, Tarzana Treatment Centers knows that lives can be saved. Do not hesitate to take action if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis. Indeed, please get in touch with us today to access potentially life-saving treatment support and services,