Suicide Prevention Week - Know the Signs & the Resources that May Save a Life

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Week this September 6-12, therapist and social worker Ashley Hutchinson joins us all the way from San Diego, CA via Zoom chat to share her extensive experience, insights, and resources concerning suicide. Having personally suffered the loss of loved ones to suicide several times, Ashley is passionate about helping others prevent this all-too-common tragedy.

Please listen in and equip yourself with the knowledge and resources that may one day help save a beloved person's life--whether yours or that of someone you know.

As a bonus, Ashley has also shared her list of favorite resources for suicide prevention and mental health below: 

- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They have awesome chapters and walks around the country for fundraising and awareness. You can find them at www.afsp.org. Their website also points people to local chapters to be involved with. I have been participating and fundraising in their San Diego Out of the Darkness Walk for years. 

- Suicide Prevention Hotline. Anyone can call the hotline 24/7 across the country for crisis intervention at 1-800-273-8255. 

- Ethically speaking, if someone is actively suicidal and has a plan, intent, or means to harm themselves it is important for them or a loved one to call 9-11 ASAP or get to the closest emergency room.

- NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is so amazing. They are one of the oldest mental health organizations in the country. They can be found at www.nami.org. They too have local chapters that are bright and thriving and so welcoming!

- CoDA, otherwise known as Codependency Anonymous, is great for just about anyone struggling with self-esteem and relationship issues. They are a 12 step, self-help organization that stems from the AA tradition. 

- Catholic Charities offices across the country offer low to no cost therapy which is LOVELY! Our parish has a therapist and our priest is so lovely; he loves talking about mental health care!

- Give an Hour is a non-profit that couples with therapists across the country who donate their time to offer no-cost psychotherapy to military service members and their families. They too have a special place in my heart. You can find them at www.giveanhour.org.

- The Trevor Project has a 24/7 suicide crisis hotline as well for LGBT youth and their number is 1866-488-7386. They do very life-saving work for so many and I have heard their counselors are warm and comforting. 

- National Domestic Violence Hotline. They deal with crisis DV situations and they are a wealth of knowledge for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Their number is 1-800-799-3224.