Mikaela Taylor is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and is the State Behavioral Health Director. Mikaela has grown with BrightView and... read more
Friday, September 10th, 2021, is World Suicide Prevention Day. September has also been designated as National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. Many people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction feel anxious or depressed and think suicidal thoughts. With the help of addiction treatment therapy programs, people with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions can heal and move on to lead healthy, happy lives.
At BrightView, we realize how strong the connection is between addiction, anxiety, and depression and how this combination can increase the risk of suicide. We honor World Suicide Prevention Day by sharing suicide prevention resources to help make others aware of anxiety and depression symptoms that indicate a need for professional help. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health and addiction, call us today at 888.501.9865 to get the help you need to heal.
Recognizing Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
The 2021 theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is “Creating Hope Through Action.” This theme urges you to take action when you notice a loved one exhibiting anxiety and depression symptoms. When a person is suffering from a mental health condition, they may experience suicidal thoughts, so it is important to get help before it is too late.
When you are aware of the warning signs that a person may be considering suicide, you can step in to help and possibly save their life. Here are some depression symptoms that may indicate a higher risk of suicide:
- Drastic changes in sleep patterns
- Signs of drug or alcohol use disorder
- Reckless behavior
- Isolation from others
- Giving away cherished possessions
- Extreme changes in mood
Some anxiety symptoms to be aware of include:
- Panic attacks
- Psychomotor agitation (pacing back and forth, fidgeting, tapping feet, wringing hands)
- Self-criticism
- Loss of appetite
A person considering suicide is often dealing with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. These mental illnesses need to be taken seriously and treated appropriately as a preventative measure. Looking the other way or ignoring the mental health issues of yourself or your loved ones can worsen the condition. Do your part and reach out to friends and family who exhibit the above signs of anxiety and depression.
How Can You Honor World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is a time to check in with yourself and your loved ones. There are several ways to honor World Suicide Prevention Day and Month throughout September:
- Ask someone you love how they are feeling. Sometimes, a person needs a little encouragement to get help. They may feel as though they are a burden, so they will not ask for help themselves. Initiate the conversation and be ready to lend a listening ear.
- Spread the word about mental health to increase awareness amongst your peers. Share suicide prevention resources on social media and at work to help reduce the stigma and encourage others to get help.
- Join the Light a Candle initiative. Many people across the globe light a candle at 8 pm on September 10th to memorialize those they have lost to suicide, acknowledge those who have survived suicide attempts, and support the efforts toward suicide prevention.
Helping prevent suicide can be as simple as asking someone if they are okay. Remember to check in with yourself as well to see if you are okay. Help is available at a moment’s notice.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.
BrightView: Empower Yourself With Suicide Prevention Resources
At BrightView, we are here to help you begin recovery from addiction and mental health conditions. Our comprehensive addiction treatment therapy programs combine medication, therapy, and support with helping heal your mind and body. When your mental health and addiction are treated concurrently, you will have the best chance of a full and lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, call us at 888.501.9865 to get the help needed right away.
