Every four hours, a person dies by suicide in Pennsylvania, according to the American Society for Suicide Prevention. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in Pennsylvania residents between the ages of 15 and 34, and suicide rates in the state have increased by more than 30% in the last two decades.
Fortunately, there is now more awareness of this nationwide epidemic than ever. For National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the hashtag #BeThe1To has gone viral, encouraging everyone to take a stance against suicide and help those who may be struggling get the help they need.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, mental health issues, or suicidal thoughts, know there are many resources that can have a tremendous impact.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or chat with emotional support counselors online. These services are available 24/7 and are completely free of charge and are provided by the organization’s national network of crisis centers. You can also head to its website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to learn more about suicide prevention, risk factors, and resources.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and their friends and family members can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), pressing option 1, or chat online with an emotional support counselor. You can also send a text message to 838255. These resources are free, 100% confidential, and anonymous.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to reach the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline. This service offers free, 24/7 treatment referral information.
The Trevor Project
LGBTQ youth struggling with thoughts of suicide can call 1-866-488-7386, send a text to 678678 or chat online to speak with trained conselors. These services are 100% confidential and available 24/7/365.
