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 Rochester 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:
- NAMI Rochester: NAMI Rochester is leading the charge for widespread mental health awareness. To find out how you can join the revolution or if you’d like more information on how we can help someone in need, click the button below and we’ll be in touch!
NAMI ROCHESTER OFFICE
346 N. Goodman St
Rochester, NY 14607
PHONE: (585) 423-1593
EMAIL: info@namirochester.org
- Strong Crisis Center: If you’re feeling anxiety, distress, sadness or are experiencing any emotional or behavioral difficulty that’s disrupting your life, we can help—right where you are.
Monroe Mobile Crisis Team
(585) 529-3721
Crisis Call Line
(585) 275-8686
- Call 211/LIFE LINE: 211/LIFE LINE provides information and referral for human services and crisis/ suicide prevention services serving Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Ontario, Livingston, and Seneca County. 211/LIFE LINE is committed to providing compassionate service for those struggling and in crisis.
- Partners for Suicide Prevention: Partners For Suicide Prevention is committed to ensuring that community members of all ages have access to accurate suicide prevention resources to help themselves and/or a loved one.
Email: samantha.colson@namirochester.org
In the spring of 2023, Greece Central School District offered the community the chance to take a Mental Health First Aid Training. I went and took this very informative training and now able to help provide guidance for youth and have a great resource to reference. If this training comes again I highly recommend families to take it! Learn more about it here: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
 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, and 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.
