Suicide Awareness

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The past 18 months of adapting to “the new normal” of COVID-19 regulations has been difficult. The single greatest predictor of suicide is hopelessness. With endless strains of COVID emerging, it can feel very hopeless! During this September suicide awareness, we must remember that now is not forever. Though things may feel like they will never end (including mood states), we must remember that this will pass. Whether it’s recent loss, general depression or anxiety, relationship fallouts, or life adjustments, one thing is certain - things WILL CHANGE. 

If you are having thoughts of suicide, I promise that you are not alone. Please reach out for help and support. Text NAMI to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to be connected to a listening ear - 24 hours a day.  If in Los Angeles County, you can call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health ACCESS Resource and Referral line at (800) 854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741 for information and referrals. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone and this will not last forever, no matter how much it feels like it. It is the greatest trick of depression - current feels permanent, but it is not! Gray colored glasses may be stuck on, but they can come off and the world can once again be a good place. 

What if it is ongoing? What if I am not getting better? The number one thing is to not lose hope. You will! We have so many treatments today. If one doesn’t work, there are a hundred more to try! It is not an instant process, but YOU WILL GET BETTER. For more information on treatment for ongoing depression, visit the General Treatment for Depression article. 

Veronica Calkins