September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Winter Haven - Davenport for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
Winter Haven Integrated Behavioral Health
Tri-County Human Services Winter Haven Location
Know of a mental health service location in our area that's not listed here? Email me at amandaswank@macaronikid.com and I'll add it to the list!
Other National Assistance Options:
NAMI HelpLine | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness is a free nationwide peer-support service providing information, resources referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained, and able to provide guidance.
The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., EST.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or helpline@nami.org
Teen Line: An anonymous, nonjudgmental space for youth | Teen Line Teens can access personal peer- to-peer support from highly trained teens supervised by adult mental health professionals.
The Teen Line can be reached at 800-852-8336 Nationwide (6 PM - 10 PM PST) or TEXT TEEN to 839863
(6 PM - 9 PM PST)
Mental Health Warmline: Need to talk to someone? (Warmlines) - MHA Screening Call the warmline to have a conversation with someone who can provide support during hard times. Whether you’re in crisis or just need someone to talk to, a warmline can help. Warmlines are staffed by trained peers who have been through their own mental health struggles and know what it’s like to need help. Warmlines are free and confidential.
The Clear Warm Line can be reached at 1 (800) 945-1355. Hours: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST Every night of the year including holidays.
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
