September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in the Metro East for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
- AFSP Illinois: State Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) SOBER Phone Meetings: Find an AA (SOBER) Meeting
- Chestnut Health Systems: 24 HR Crisis Line (618) 877–0316
- Illinois Call4Calm 24 HR Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
- NAMI Southwestern Illinois: an affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. www.nami.org.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (online chat available) – The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800-656-HOPE
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (online chat available) – The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
- The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743 – Both provide telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
- The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 – The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860 – Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer Kindness, Empathy, & Support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
Join the Cause
Connect with others committed to this mission at these upcoming, local events:
- 9/14: Spike Out Suicide (presented by Glow for Hope)
- 9/14: Walk for Mental Health (presented by NAMI SWI)
- 9/28: AFSP IL | Finding Hope: Guidance for Supporting Those At Risk (Virtual Event)
- 9/28: Out of the Darkness Community Walk (Monroe County - Waterloo, IL)
- 10/19: Out of the Darkness Community Walk (St. Clair County - Belleville, IL)
