Mental Health Awareness Month
By: Karyn Rosenberg, LCSW, PMH-C
"To anyone out there who’s hurting —it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength.” —Barack Obama
September is Suicide Awareness Month and Professionals United for Parkland advocate and support mental wellness by providing education for the community.One of the most important developments that has occurred this year is the National Suicide Lifeline that is effective in all 50 states of the USA. Just like 911 for emergency response from first responders such as police and firefighters, 988 is the number to call if you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide.
"#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.”
Many people are concerned that if they ask someone directly if that person is having suicidal thoughts, then it would somehow create action. Research actually shows that the individual, when asked, feel scared for and acknowledged, and talking about concerns and feelings of suicide actually reduces suicidal ideation, not increases.
Sometimes it is hard to know what to ask someone that you may be concerned is suicidal. Here are some questions that may help.
It seems like something is up, do you want to talk about it?
I’ve noticed you’ve been down lately, what’s going on?
Hey, we haven’t talked in a while...how are you?
Together as a community, we can save lives and break down barriers for people who need help. Professionals United For Parkland is here for you if you have any questions or need help in finding a referral.
Here are some resources for more information:
If you should find yourself or someone you know in immediate crisis or need for help, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Some other resources for immediate crisis support include:
211 – In Florida, and many areas, most counties will have a dedicated 211 resource hotline. Dial 211 from your phone to be connected to your local 211 branch. This may depend on where you’re calling from if it’s from your Cell Phone.
Crisis Text Line – Text any word (Help, Talk, etc.) to 741741 to be connected via text to a trained crisis counselor.
Paational Suicide Prevention Hotline – Until the 3-digit hotline number is active later in 2022, the original number will still be the one to use – 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).P al. al. al a Our Mission “Professionals United for Parkland was created to identify and meet the short and long-term needs related to mental health/well-being of the South Florida community in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy through evidence-based services including education for the general community and professionals, clinical training, clinical services, support for clinicians, and more. We work alongside other local organizations and groups to ensure that we identify gaps in current services and that the needs of our community are being adequately addressed. We are entirely non-political.
Professionals United For Parkland Honors the 17
Professionals United for Parkland remembers Luke Hoyer. Donations made in Luke’s memory should be directed through Voices for Children of Broward County to the Luke Hoyer Athletic Fund at VoicesBroward.org, which provides sports equipment and training to children for basketball, football and dance, and to StandWithParkland.org, the parents’ advocacy group.
To learn more: VoicesBroward.org
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