Lansing Sun

Lansing, MI – In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month coming to an end, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force encourages residents to Connect to Protect and #BeThe1 to help prevent suicide throughout the year.

“We can be there for others by being present, supportive and strong for those who may be going through a difficult time,” Mayor Schor stated. “We have so many resources available in the Lansing Area and as Suicide Prevention Month draws to a close, now is an important time to remind people of the resources available to them and their loved ones year-round.”

“Suicide is preventable, and while training is helpful, you don’t need special training to help someone,” said Dr. Farha Abbasi, chairperson of the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force. “Everyone can play a role by learning to recognize the warning signs, showing compassion, and offering support.”

Here are some actions anyone can take to be there for others:

Reach out to loved ones to show them you care. Check in with a call, or text, and ask: “how are you?” Research shows that people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way.

Be aware of the warning signs of suicide such as:

• Talking about wanting to end their life or harm themselves
• Looking for a way to harm themselves
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

Remember, it is okay to ask someone directly if they’ve been feeling like they want to hurt themselves or thinking about suicide. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal thoughts.

Be willing to reach out for help and guidance to resources to learn more about how you can help someone or to get help for yourself.

State and local resources are available to assist residents:

• People in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know someone in crisis, can call or text 988 available statewide 24/7 to connect with crisis counselors. 
• Locally, Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMHA-CEI) provides an anonymous online mental screening tool is available at www.ceicmh.org. They also provide many behavioral health services to individuals living in the Tri-County Area, offering a wide range of services, including crisis intervention, therapy, and case management. In addition, 24/7 walk-in Crisis Services are available by calling 517-346-8460. For more information about available services, call the Access Center at 517-346-8318.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lansing provides a wide range of support, education and resources to individuals living with mental illness and to their family members. To learn more, visit their website at: https://www.namilansing.org.

The City of Lansing also has links to local mental health resources at: lansingmi.gov/mentalhealth.

Original source can be found here.