TW: suicide
Personal life events, violence, grief, workplace stress, bullying and poverty are just a few factors that sometimes contribute to suicidal ideation.
The root cause typically is deeper: a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or one of 200 known disorders. These mental-health conditions can contribute to difficulties with problem-solving and a lack of coping mechanisms.
Suicide doesn’t discriminate; those who die are children, teens, adults and senior citizens.
Every year, the month of September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.
The goal of both is to raise awareness, to promote prevention and to remember those who have died by suicide.
In Virginia, 1,234 people died by suicide in 2023; of those who died, 50 were in the Central Shenandoah Health District, which serves the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro.
State, region understands the need for crisis care
Across the Commonwealth, communities recognize the need and are beefing up mental-health response with mobile crisis teams and crisis centers offering alternatives to police intervention and visits to the emergency room.
Today, a ground-breaking took place for the future Colonial Behavioral Health Crisis Center which will serve residents from Glen Allen to Hampton. The $12.5 million undertaking is one part of a multi-year initiative aimed to strengthen the state’s behavioral health system.
“Every new crisis center means faster care, fewer people in emergency rooms, and more Virginians finding hope close to home,” said Hallie Pence, executive director of the Right Help, Right Now initiative.
The Staunton-based Valley Community Services Board hopes to break ground later this year on a $16.5 crisis treatment center in Augusta County near Augusta Health.
Navigating the crisis continuum of services can be daunting for those who struggle and their family members. Many therapists and psychiatrists have long waiting lists making help seem out of reach for some.
ICYMI
- Augusta County: VCSB purchases property for crisis center, should break ground this year
- Mental health professionals in demand; concern majority ‘graying out’ of workforce
- VCSB working to respond to those in crisis; ease burden on hospitals, first responders
- Virginia works to build infrastructure for same-day care for person in mental-health crisis
- Region’s suicide rates almost double state, national average; treatment options in the works
The message from CSHD is don’t give up; there are numerous resources for anyone who may need help.
“Mental health is a vital part of our community’s wellbeing,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, acting health director for CSHD. “There are resources available for anyone who might need help, and it’s important to know you are not alone.”
Project Mental Health
Project Mental Health was developed by Augusta Free Press and local partners post-COVID to be a one-stop place to find help for yourself or a loved one who may be struggling or in crisis.
There are people and resources in the community (and nationwide) to help you navigate your own mental health or that of a loved one. You are not alone.
CSHD: Get involved in suicide prevention
- Get familiar with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Volunteer with the Virginia National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Connect your college or K-12 school to the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia
- Ask your provider or hospital system to connect with the Virginia Zero Suicide Hub.
- Seek training and education related to mental health, access to lethal means and suicide prevention
Related stories
- Crozet shooter’s family says system failed him; CSB says it can be ‘a confusing process’
- Black and male: Why Chris Jones may not have sought help for mental-health condition
- 988 Lifeline: Trump administration axes lifesaving services for LGBTQ+ youth
- Legislators look to install nets or barriers on bridges to prevent suicide
- Many farmers forced to confront mental health with added stress, less sleep
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
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Crystal Graham
