Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. September is used to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
No Wrong Door for Support and Recovery Inc. supports persons who are transitioning from detention or treatment facilities and will enlist the aid of peer support, pastoral ministries, municipal/community organizations and other agencies/providers who support and assist persons who suffer from substance use and/or mental health challenges.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and has increased in almost every state over time, making it a serious public health concern. Suicidal ideation has also been a concern throughout the pandemic. In September 2020, 11.9% of U.S adults reported serious thoughts of suicide in the past month. However, data found that suicide deaths in the U.S. decreased by 5.6% from 2019 to 2020.
While suicide is often linked to underlying mental health conditions, that is not always the case, as a combination of factors generally contributes to an individual having thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide. Risk factors can include isolation, relationship struggles, financial or housing insecurity, or problems with physical health.
From 2000 to 2020, more than 28,000 North Carolinians lost their lives to drug overdoses. In 2019, for every one drug overdose death, there were 5 Emergency Department (ED) visits due to overdose in North Carolina. The overlapping correlation of mental health conditions between substance abuse disorders and suicide has lead No Wrong Door for Support and Recovery to utilize a “whole-person” approach when treating clients facing substance abuse disorders — addressing and treating someone’s mental health struggles reduces the recidivism of substance use while also lowering stats surrounding suicide.
For more information about No Wrong Door and the services offered, email sheila@nowrongdoorwnc.org or howard@nowrongdoorwnc.org or call 828-349.3366.
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