September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Emergence Health Network is encouraging El Paso residents to deepen the conversations about mental health and suicide.
Emergence officials say that contrary to popular belief, asking someone directly if they’re thinking about suicide won’t “put the idea in their head?” In fact, people are often relieved to talk about their emotions.
“Thinking that someone you love could be suicidal is scary, but we need to be that lifeline. Trust your gut, ask directly and listen,” said Dr. Marcelo Rodriguez-Chevres, EHN Psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer. “It’s understandable to be worried that you won’t know what to do if your loved one says ‘yes, I am thinking about suicide’ but it’s an important step to getting help together. If you are the one who needs help, reach out. EHN operates a 24-hour crisis hotline so you can call day or night and speak to someone who cares.”
Help is available but unfortunately suicide is still a reality. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and on average there are 129 suicides each day in the U.S. leaving behind their friends and family to deal the loss.
“EHN is also here to help those left behind. We offer free Suicide Survivor Support Groups because suicide is tragic all the way around. It impacts so many people,” said Noreen Jaramillo, EHN Director of Communications.
What leads to suicide? There is no single cause.
“Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition,” Emergence officials share. “Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide and is often undiagnosed or untreated.”
Suicide Warning Signs according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention include:
If a person talks about killing themselves, feels hopeless, says they have no reason to live, feels they are being a burden to others, feels “trapped” or unbearable pain.
A person thinking about suicide may increase use of alcohol or drugs, looks for ways to kill themselves (such as searching online) withdraws from activities, isolates themselves from family and friends, sleeps too little or too much, visits or calls people to say good-bye, gives away their possessions.
Emergence Health Network Offers help for Suicide Prevention
24-hour Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotline 915-779-1800
24-hour In-Person Crisis and Emergency Services 1601 East Yandell
Counseling Services 915-242-0555
Mental Health First Aid Training – learn suicide risk factors and how to help 915-235-6996
Suicide Survivors Support Group 915-779-1800
To learn more about Suicide Prevention and services offered by Emergence Heath Network click here.
For our complete coverage of Emergence and their services, click here.
