Op-Ed: STHS Behaviorial Encourages RGV Community to Take Action to Prevent Suicide

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Social isolation, mental illness and difficult life transitions can play a role in the increased risk for suicide, but we also know that connectedness and a sense of belonging can protect against suicide. Courtesy images
Social isolation, mental illness and difficult life transitions can play a role in the increased risk for suicide, but we also know that connectedness and a sense of belonging can protect against suicide. Courtesy images
- Advertisement -

By Brenda Ivory

Interim Chief Executive Officer

South Texas Health System Behavioral

- Advertisement -

Are you worried about a friend or loved one? Be the one to help save a life.
September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Valleycontinues to experience an increase in the number of individuals who need support and care. 

Social isolation, mental illness and difficult life transitions can play a role in the increased risk for suicide, but we also know that connectedness and a sense of belonging can protect against suicide. 

There are many ways you can help yourself or someone else who might be struggling. 

In addition to seeking help from crisis services and mental health professionals, there are concrete actions the general public can take to keep our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors safe. 

- Advertisement -

As a community provider, closing the gap for those who are in suicidal crisis is critical to ensure that anyone at risk has a safe place to go, someone to talk to and someone to care.

Promoting Help and Inspiring Hope. 

As a behavioral healthcare provider here in the Rio Grande Valley, our team at South Texas Health System Behavioral is dedicated to #BeThe1To in a manner that promotes connectedness. Evidence-based treatments and support are available. It is imperative that we equip our community with hope, resilience and the tools to feel empowered. People needing help can contact:  

• 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, that provides 24/7 confidential support. Text, chat or call today. Trained crisis counselors are ready to serve. 

• The Veterans Crisis Line for Military Veterans, call 988, press 1. 

• Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386. 

Be the one to save a life. 

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

STHS Dedicating Latest “South Texas Healthy Living” Episode to Arthritis Education, July 26th

More than 58 million U.S. adults are living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it the nation’s leading cause of disability.

No More Needles: FDA Approves First Daily Pill to Replace Injectable Cholesterol Drugs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lipfendra (enlicitide), the first oral inhibitor of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or “bad” cholesterol, in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Image source: Merck.com.

STHS Heart Ranks Among Nation’s Top Hospitals for Heart Attack Care

Every year, more than 800,000 people in the United States suffer a heart attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an event that occurs approximately every 40 seconds.

DHR Health Burn Surgeon Urges Public to Avoid Preventable Risks

Many of the most serious burn and trauma injuries can be prevented by avoiding unnecessary risks, according to Dr. R. Dewayne Edwards, chief burn surgeon, surgical critical care and trauma surgeon at DHR Health, who said public awareness and timely medical care remain essential to improving patient outcomes.
- Advertisement -