Just talking about mental health can be the first important step in understanding where someone is with their mental health, and helping them get support or treatment if needed.
During Suicide Prevention Week health professionals and the general public talk about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide. The campaign also strives to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, as well as to encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance and support people who have attempted suicide.
Tanna McCullough, Family Nurse Practitioner at Lawrence County Memorial
Hospital’s Primary Care Clinic, said that largely due to a lack of services being
offered, suicide is becoming more of an issue. “There is a shortage nationwide of
behavioral health services, and it’s preventing people from getting the help they need to treat depression,” she said. “Therefore it goes untreated. I would advise
those who are feeling depressed or suffering with a mental health issue to seek
counseling services,” she said.
If someone is having thoughts of suicide they can call the suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255, or go to the local emergency room, or tell a family member or friend so they can get the help they need.
