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

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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
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By Brenda Ivory

Interim Chief Executive Officer

South Texas Health System Behavioral

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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. 

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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. 

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