This Month is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide is a problem that touches the lives of many Americans. Many of us may know someone who has attempted or died by suicide. Over the past decade suicide rates have steadily risen in the United State. Suicide is currently 10th for cause of death among all ages.

It’s important for you to know that suicide is preventable. With commitment and engagement on social media, our communities, workplaces, and homes together we can help reduce the number of suicides. This is a time to raise awareness of the stigma and taboo around suicide. The stigma around suicide makes it hard to reach out for help, but with the right information, support and action, people affected by suicide can recover and lead happier lives.

Here are some warning signs of suicide:  

• Talking, writing, or drawing about death.
• Looking for ways to attempt suicide.
• Talking about having no response to live, being a burden to others, or not being here tomorrow.
• Feeling hopeless, desperate, or trapped.
• Giving away possessions and behaving recklessly.

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Connect with a trained crisis counselor 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
• If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
• Trevor LGBTQ Crisis Hotline Call 1-866-488-7386 for free, confidential, and secure online messaging service, providing live help by trained volunteers. Check the website for hours of operation www.thetrevorproject.org.
• Veterans Crisis Line- For Veterans Crisis Line Call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255. This is for Veterans, Active Military, and their families. You can also have a confidential chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net.

At BCA Therapy, we are here to help and support you in a mental health crisis. If you need to talk to a therapist, we have therapists that can assist you and can help you recover and can help you live happier lives. Please reach out or visit BCA Therapy!

Other Resources

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness 

How to Prepare Your Mental Health As You Transition to College

If you are heading to college with a diagnosed mental health condition, you are not the only one. Many new students are in therapy, take medications, receive support services through college, private tutors, guidance counselors, or other agencies. Planning ahead for your mental health and academic support needs will make your transition to college healthier, easier, and more comfortable. Know the steps to prepare your mental health before stepping onto a college campus can help you so much.

• Time management– College can be more demanding than high school, plan to devote more time to your studies. Plan out your days and create a routine that you stick to every week. Having an assignment book to mark important assignments and tests can make your experience of college so much easier.
• Socializing– It can be fun to meet your roommate(s) and others on the floor in your building. Just remember that some people thrive on social interaction while others may struggle with that, so be kind to one another.
• Independence– Now that you’re on your own, you may feel the need to test your limits. Don’t make bad decisions based on peer pressure. Say “NO” to things you don’t want to do. Setting boundaries is very important and do not let people step over your boundaries and respect other people’s boundaries.
•  Resources– Be sure to use to familiarize yourself with the resources on college campus. Consider joining a student organization and being involved. There is also learning assistance and resource centers, and student health services and counseling centers that can assist you if needed.
• Stress– Being aware that some amount of stress and anxiety is normal. You are in a setting with new people and new challenges. You can do this!

Sources:

Family Matters: Making the Transition to College – West Chester University (wcupa.edu)

Planning Ahead for Your Mental Health Care as You Transition to College | The Jed Foundation