A story from Office of Pierce County Councilmember Jani Hitchen.
The month of September is a time where we reflect on those in recovery and those that we have lost to suicide.
As National Recovery Month, this September we are focused on the theme “Recovery is for EVERYONE!”
Pierce County Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division wants to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from serious mental illness and substance use disorders. We are asking and encourage all Pierce County residents with experience in recovery to share their story with us to be featured on our website and social media channels. Recovery stories can be shared via our online form or emailed to Arrika Rayburn.
September is also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death overall in our state and the second highest cause of death among teenagers 15 to 19 years old. These last two years have been incredibly stressful for everyone, and on Aug. 31 Council declared the month of September as “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” in Pierce County. Please reach out for help if you are in crisis or if someone you care about is struggling. Help is available. Local and regional resources include: Crisis Connections Clinic at 1-866-427-4747, both the Veterans Crisis Line or National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be found at 1-800-273-8255 (you can call or follow the link to see how to Chat or Text).
The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention promotes the Five Action Steps of the National #BeThe1To Prevent Suicide campaign:
- Ask,
- Keep them safe,
- Be there,
- Help them connect, and
- Follow up.
Check out some of the resources, educate yourself so you know the signs and if you or someone you love needs help, don’t wait.
