 Suicide Awareness: Your Life Matters
Every year, more than a thousand Hoosiers take their own lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a psychiatric nurse, I know that suicidal thought can impact anyone – regardless of age, race or income. Often times many people might find it difficult to open up to others or seek help.
Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time for everyone across the globe to join together to save lives.
This year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action,” and here in the Indiana, we’re working hard so more Hoosiers can access life-saving care.
With a new law I supported, more licensed professionals can diagnose mental health disorders to help Hoosiers obtain quicker access to treatment. Clinical social workers, family therapists, mental health counselors, addiction counselors or physicians assistants can diagnose and refer an individual to start mental health treatment.
If you are considering suicide or know someone who might be, please talk to someone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free and confidential support line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-TALK. This year, I supported a new law to create a 988 hotline, which is expected to launch in 2022, to help callers experiencing a mental health crisis, including those considering suicide, in real-time with the ability to deploy mobile crisis teams.
Indiana law also requires K-12 schools and universities to create policies on suicide prevention and implement staff training. This is crucial because suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Indiana youth ages 15 to 24, according to the Indiana Department of Health.
For more resources on how to spot the warning signs, visit Indiana’s suicide prevention website at in.gov/issp. Every life is worth living and we need to ensure every Hoosier can connect to life-saving help.
FOOTNOTE: State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75, Â which includes portions of Pike, Spencer, and Warrick counties.
