Suicide is an unimaginable tragedy, one that affects tens of thousands of families. Suicide also puts a special burden on adolescents and young adults, for whom it is among the leading causes of death. Although suicide is tragic, it is very much preventable. One of the most important aspects of suicide prevention is awareness of its warning signs and education on how to get help for those struggling with suicidal ideation.
That is why the month of September has been declared Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. On this day, we at Atlanta Center for Mental Health honor those affected by suicide, and we seek to raise awareness about suicide prevention. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation, we can help through our depression treatment program. Call 833.625.0458 to learn more and receive treatment today.
What Is World Suicide Prevention Day?
In 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day was established by The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization to foster a worldwide commitment to preventing suicide and raise awareness surrounding suicide. The International Association for Suicide Prevention also organizes events around the world to promote suicide prevention, including candle vigils and a worldwide cycling event. Here at Atlanta Center for Mental Health, we participate in suicide prevention every day by caring for and treating the mental health of our local community. We offer a diverse array of individualized programs focused on fostering healthy lifestyles and putting clients on the path to recovery.
Warning Signs of Suicidal Ideation to Look Out For
The main focus of World Suicide Prevention Day is around raising awareness. Naturally, the first step of awareness is recognizing the warning signs of suicidal thoughts or actions. These early warning signs can include:
- Expressing the desire to die
- Discussing guilt, shame, or feeling like a burden on others
- Researching methods of suicide
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feeling hopelessness or intense emotional pain
- Intensive drug or alcohol use
- Sudden and unexplained mood swings
- Taking dangerous risks
- Developing extreme personality changes
- Gaining access to items that could be used for suicide, such as purchasing a gun or accumulating medication
- Giving away belongings, making a will, or saying goodbye
If you or someone you love is showing any of these behaviors, they need help and may even require professional intervention. Many people who have attempted suicide say they felt that they could not ask for help, making it important that you be prepared to recognize these warning signs for your loved ones. If somebody you know expresses a clear intention to harm themselves, you should work with them to get help, especially through a professional depression treatment program. Conversations about mental health can feel invasive and awkward, but they can also save lives.
Find a Depression Treatment Program at Atlanta Center for Mental Health
If you or a loved one exhibits signs of suicidal ideation, Atlanta Center for Mental Health is here to help. At Atlanta Center for Mental Health, you will receive care from a qualified staff of clinical professionals who are prepared to walk with you on the journey to recovery. At our residential treatment center, you can step away from the chaos of daily life and focus exclusively on recovery through a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. We also offer a variety of specialized treatment programs, including our:
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Anxiety treatment program
- Bipolar treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
Getting treatment can seem daunting, and many people may put off treatment until they are in crisis. If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, you need to receive treatment now. Call Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 or fill out our online contact form now to begin treatment today.
