September is Suicide Prevention Month.
This year, we’re reminding you that there’s more in store—and life is worth sticking around for. This reminder comes at a critical time for U.S. youth, as suicide rates have more than doubled among this population in the last decade, and suicide has become the second leading cause of death for those aged 12-19.
The rise in suicidality among children and adolescents is connected to the youth mental health crisis that reached a critical point during the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, tensions for U.S. youth were brewing before the pandemic. The impact of social media use, volatile political tension, a worsening opioid epidemic, and violence in schools have weighed heavily on our most vulnerable and impressionable population: our children.
There’s more in store—#StickAround.
To help combat the rise in suicide among children and teens, Sheppard Pratt is launching a suicide prevention and awareness campaign aimed at our youth: the #StickAround campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to increase mental health awareness, provide educational resources and tools, and serve as a reminder to our youth that there’s more in store, and their futures are always worth sticking around for.
This year, Sheppard Pratt will partner with some local area schools and Sheppard Pratt’s own child and adolescent programs to provide students, patients, clients, and families with mental health resources as part of its campaign. Sheppard Pratt will also set up installations at participating programs and locations that youth can contribute to by writing and displaying their reasons to #StickAround.
Whether it’s something big like graduation or a dream job, or something smaller, like attending a sports game, cuddling with a pet, or finding a new favorite song, be sure to check out our social media to discover the many reasons to #StickAround. And, share your own reasons to stick around!
You are never alone. Help is always available.
Suicide is preventable, and help is always available. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the resources below:
- Call, text, or chat the 24/7 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are standing by to assist those experiencing suicidal thoughts or a substance use or mental health crisis.
- Sheppard Pratt’s Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinics in Towson and Elkridge provide immediate psychiatric triage for those in need. Click here to learn more.
- Sheppard Pratt’s Care Navigation Team provides referrals to trusted, quality behavioral healthcare providers. Call 410-938-5000 to speak with a Care Navigator.
And, check out blogs and info from Sheppard Pratt experts below:
Suicide Prevention Resources from Sheppard Pratt Experts
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Urgent care for mental health: How a Maryland clinic is helping thousands of patients
In the NewsPublished:The nation is currently experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis marked by a critical and growing demand for mental healthcare services, with more people going to the emergency room for psychiatric crises than ever before. Learn how our Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinics have helped meet the increased need for mental health services.
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Rethinking Self Harm
Mental HealthPublished:What you need to know and how you can help
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Suicide Prevention at Home and in School: What You Should Know and How You Can Help
Mental HealthPublished:Understanding how to recognize youth who may be at risk is a critical step in suicide prevention among school-aged children and adolescents.
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Finding Help and Hope
Mental HealthPublished:As I’ve written about before, just like a cold, suicide can be contagious. Youth suicide increases after a death in school settings and suicide rates often increase…
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Tips for Talking with Your Child About Suicide
Caregivers & SupportsPublished:Suicide is not the first topic that comes to mind when talking to your children. But, it is a conversation that you still need to have with them, even if you think…
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Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors: Knowing When to Help
Caregivers & SupportsPublished:Eight out of ten people considering suicide give some sign of their intention before an attempt. Finding out that someone is considering suicide can be very frightening…
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Why Asking for Help Makes You Strong
Mental HealthPublished:“I feel so weak for having to go the hospital after my heart attack.” That is not a phrase we hear often, if ever. If someone has a heart attack, it is common sense…
Additional Recommended Resources
National Institutes of Mental Health
Learn the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for those in crisis, as well as contact information to connect you to support resources through the National Institute of Mental Health’s suicide prevention site.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 to those experiencing distress or crisis.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) provides valuable information and crisis resources aimed at helping you understand the warning signs of suicide so you can be better prepared for a crisis.
You are not alone.
If you're experiencing a mental health problem, you are not alone: help is here. Sheppard Pratt offers more than 160 programs - discover personalized care that fits your needs.