Mega Doctor News
A leading cause of death in the United States, suicide claimed the lives of more than 49,000 people in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s one death every 11 minutes.
Rarely caused by a single circumstance or event, there are many factors and life events that can contribute to the risk of suicide, including substance use disorder, criminal or legal problems, job loss, bullying, social isolation and high conflict or violent relationships.
However, about 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a mental health disorder like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia or substance use disorder, according to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.
It’s important to know the warning sides of suicide like talking about being a burden, increased anxiety, extreme moods swings and expressing hopelessness.
But that’s not all… It’s also essential to know how to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
“Everyone plays a role in helping prevent suicide in our communities,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I., KAP, CLYL, EMDR- Therapist, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “By learning the warning signs and identifying those at risk of suicide, creating protective and supportive environments, promoting healthy connections and teaching coping and problem-solving skills, we can all prevent suicide and save lives.”
As part of its commitment to normalizing discussions on mental illnesses and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, South Texas Health System Behavioral will dedicate its next “Let’s Talk Mental Health” webinar to suicide prevention.
Held in commemoration of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the free online seminar will take place on Thursday, September 4, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., live via the South Texas Health System Facebook event page.
Entitled “Let’s Talk Suicide Prevention,” the webinar will feature a mental health professional from STHS Behavioral highlighting the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, as well as advice on how to respond effectively to individuals in crisis and ways to promote social connectedness and support as a community.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. If you’d like to view previous Let’s Talk Mental Health seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles, seek professional help by contacting your healthcare provider or using the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.For a confidential assessment, available 24/7, call the STHS Behavioral hotline at (956) 388-1300. For immediate, life-threatening situations, dial 911.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Behavioral |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Mental Health – Suicide Prevention” |
| When: | Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
