A call to action and support: ‘we can all help prevent suicide’
National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 8-14
As we observe Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 8-14), a time dedicated to remembering those affected by suicide and to focus on ensuring treatment is available to those who need it most, behavioral health clinicians at Parkland Health recognize that suicide prevention is a community effort that requires open communication and compassion.
Suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance. Recognizing the signs and understanding the risk factors are crucial steps in providing support and intervention.
Kimberly Roaten, PhD, ABPP, Associate Chief Quality and Safety Officer for Behavioral Health at Parkland and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, shares that the most important thing we can do is ask those we are concerned about if they are considering suicide so we can connect them to the support they need.
“We all have a role to play in helping combat the stigma associated with suicide and mental health, because talking about it provides the opportunity for connection to resources and treatment,” said Dr. Roaten. “We know people in crisis are most likely to open up to their friends, their neighbor or their colleagues, and it’s so important we are equipped to offer support when they need it most.”
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, warning signs that a person may be suicidal include a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors, especially if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss or change. Most people who die by suicide exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
The behaviors may include:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
Suicide and suicide attempts are serious public health challenges. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suicide is a leading cause of death, responsible for 49,476 deaths in 2022. Over the last 22 years, rates of suicide have increased approximately 36%.
People often don’t seek medical help because they don’t know where to start or feel ashamed. Your primary care doctor or another health professional can connect you with the right mental health services. Additionally, behavioral health experts at Parkland are committed to offering comprehensive resources and support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Parkland's behavioral health clinics offer outpatient services, community outreach programs, education and more.
“Parkland’s mission has always been to provide the highest quality of care to all who need it, and mental health is part of that and fundamental to our goal. As the first hospital in the nation to implement universal suicide risk screening for all patients, our staff is trained to ensure we don’t miss an opportunity for detection and prevention,” said Dr. Roaten.
Suicide Prevention Week is not just about recognizing the issue; it’s about celebrating the power of hope, resilience and recovery. Every person has the capacity for healing, there is no shame in asking for help, only strength.
The staff in Parkland’s Behavioral Health Services department is here to support, offering a range of mental health services provided by trauma-informed psychiatrists, behavioral health providers, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and psychologists.
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 for free and confidential support.
Parkland Health Foundation is focused on increasing access to comprehensive mental health services for all children and families in Dallas County. By utilizing the power of philanthropy, we are empowering Parkland Health to reimagine behavioral healthcare for children and adolescents, giving them access to the screenings and treatment options they need sooner. Learn more about the Foundation’s work by visiting, www.parklandhealthfoundation.org/areas-of-need/pediatric-behavioral-health.
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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