SUICIDE PREVENTION

One in three warriors the Wounded Warrior Project serves who are experiencing financial insecurity are also experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The Face the Fight Coalition is trying to battle veteran suicide by cutting stigma, increasing conversation, and funding evidence-based organizations already doing good work.

This weekend marks six months since the launch of the new 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The goal is to get immediate help to people in crisis.

The National Suicide Lifeline's three-digit number had a call and text volume that spiked to unprecedented levels in just the first month after rolling out in July.

A widow and mother shared her personal experience with suicide as she advocates for the new three-digit suicide hotline number.

Suicidal behaviors have been strongly linked to mental disorders, but researchers involved in one of the largest genetic studies on suicide attempts say there may also be a genetic factor.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) are joining together to declare a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health.

When a celebrity dies, or when the topic of suicide is in the news headlines, it’s common to see the phone number for the national suicide hotline flashed on TV or included in online articles. But what happens when you make the call?

Now, there’s an evidence-based program that taps teens to identify peers who could be at suicide risk. Both were selected for an innovative program in their Ohio high schools called Hope Squad. Wright-Berryman is the lead data researcher for Hope Squad, which is in 800 high schools nationwide. Wright-Berryman says studies show the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide is much lower in Hope Squad schools compared to those without programs. There’s more information on the hope squad website at www.hopesquad.com and if you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

“It’s important, really important, for people to know that suicide doesn’t define the person,” she said. AFSP-South Texas hosts a Survivor Day event every Nov. 21. Suicide prevention groups call those suffering the loss of a loved one “survivors.” So Cruz said, as a survivor, it’s healing to participate. US suicide rate fell last year after decade of steady riseThe Survivor Day event will include keynote speakers, survivor stories, group sessions and a guided expressive art exercise. Some of the things we can use are ‘bereaved by suicide’ or they ‘died by suicide’ or you ‘lost a loved one to suicide,’” she said.

SAN ANTONIO As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and shows no sign of ending anytime soon, the growing concern over the topic of suicide is increasing nationwide, according to a San Antonio clinical psychologist. Our bodies are really good with dealing with short-term stress, but long-term stress (makes) our bodies get exhausted. These calls are related to COVID-19 social isolation and the effects of that. She said risk factors promoted by the pandemic include:DepressionAnxietySocial isolationMoney IssuesFeeling like a burden to other peopleAlcohol and substance abuseWe know that substance abuse is increasing significantly during this pandemic, Bira said. We just need to come together and promote resiliency.Ways to seek help if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts: