You Are Not Alone.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, foster understanding, and most importantly, remind every person that mental health matters.
But awareness is just the beginning. Suicide prevention is also about compassion, connection, and action. It’s about reaching out, checking in, and making sure no one feels invisible in their pain.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. That heartbreaking reality is why, here at IMTELEDOCTOR, we want you to hear this loud and clear: You are not alone. Your pain is real. And we are so glad that you’re here.
Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, know that help is available, and hope is real.
Mental Health is Health
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and other mental health conditions are real medical issues that deserve the time, attention, and treatment that one would receive for a physical illness. If you are struggling with mental health, it does not mean that you are weak and suicidal thoughts are not a character flaw. It is a SYMPTOM and it can be treated. Many individuals that once had suicidal thoughts and received appropriate treatment and support went on to live joyful and meaningful lives.
Warning Signs and What Questions Can You Ask
While there may not be warning signs before a potential crisis, it is important to be aware of the common red flags that could alert you to someone who may be crying out for help. Red flags may include increased substance abuse, withdrawing from normal activities that were enjoyed, voicing they are a burden, sudden changes in mood or behavior, or voicing they are hopeless or want to die.
Asking someone direct questions like “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or “Are you having any thoughts of hurting yourself or others?” is appropriate and does not encourage suicide. It helps to open the door for the individual to speak up.
Crisis Hotlines and Resources
If you feel that you or someone is in need of immediate help please call 911 immediately. Below are free and confidential crisis hotlines that you can call or text 24/7 in the U.S.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential)
www.988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741 (24/7 support via text)
www.crisistextline.org
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988, then press 1
www.veteranscrisisline.net
How You Can Help:
Call and check in, let them know they are not alone.
Listen with no judgement, you do not need to fix the situation just be present.
Share the resources from above, or any other hotlines, therapy resources, or crisis resources.
Normalize talking about mental health, break the stigma and share your story if youre comfortable, as it may help others open up and feel less alone.
If you are struggling right now, please take a moment to realize that there is hope, you are not a burden, you are enough, and you are needed.
Again, we are so happy that you are here.
