Mega Doctor News
Alarmingly, a person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it a leading cause of death in the country, especially among teens and young adults. In 2022, there were 49,430 suicides among individuals 12 and older.
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting effects on communities.
People who attempt suicide and survive may experience serious injuries that can have long-term effects on their health, and they may experience additional mental health concerns like depression.
Meanwhile, suicide and suicide attempts affect the health and well-being of family members, friends, co-workers and the community. When people die by suicide, their surviving loved ones may experience prolonged grief, shock, anger, guilt, mental health struggles and even thoughts of suicide themselves.
Knowing how to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts can be a challenge and it’s important to let those struggling with their mental health know they are not alone. Suicide is preventable and requires strategies at all levels of society, including prevention and protective strategies for individuals, families and communities.
Suicide prevention aims to reduce factors that increase risk and amplify factors that promote resilience and commit to social change. Suicide prevention strategies include teaching coping and problem-solving skills, identifying and supporting people at risk, reducing harms, preventing future risk and promoting health connections.
In observance of Suicide Prevention Month in September, South Texas Health System Behavioral will dedicate the next installment of its Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar series to suicide prevention.
Broadcast live via South Texas Health System’s Facebook Page, the online seminar will highlight the risk factors and warning signs that increase the risk of suicide and offer suicide prevention strategies. Led by Leticia Sosa, a licensed clinical social worker with STHS Behavioral, will highlight strategies based on available evidence to help communities prevent suicide.
The free webinar will be broadcast live via South Texas Health System’s Facebook page on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information on the Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar, visit the South Texas Health System’s Facebook Events page.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Behavioral |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Suicide Prevention” |
| When: | Thursday September 5, 2024, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
