HOWELL – With coronavirus-related increases being observed in anxiety, depression, suicide and substance use, September’s National Suicide Prevention Month campaign is more important than ever, according to the Howell Township Municipal Alliance.
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report revealed that 40% of United States adults said they had struggled with mental health issues or substance use issues during late June, according to the alliance.
Christa Riddle, the alliance’s coordinator, said the organization provides residents with mental health resources.
“Each September, Suicide Prevention Month efforts aim to raise public awareness of suicide prevention, education and treatment resources.
“This month and year-round, the Howell Township Municipal Alliance provides community members with mental health and suicide prevention resources and information as part of its mission to prevent substance use and to promote mental well-being,” Riddle said.
“With suicide and mental health/substance use disorders, immediate intervention and professional assistance save lives, as does knowing, recognizing, responding to and taking seriously the warning signs of suicide, such as talking about dying or death, feeling hopeless with no reason to live, having a suicide plan, expressing great shame, feeling trapped without solutions, sharing about unbearable pain, using alcohol or drugs more often, changing daily behavior and grooming habits, giving away special possessions, and withdrawing from family and friends,” Riddle said.
Mental Health First Aid outlines the appropriate steps to follow if someone seems suicidal in “How to Help Someone Who Is Suicidal.”
Riddle said it is important for individuals to be familiar with suicide prevention resources to use or share:
• 911 should always be called in an immediate crisis, emergency or dangerous situation;
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline may be reached at 800-273-8255;
• The New Jersey Hopeline may be reached at 855-654-6735;
• The 2ndFLOOR Youth Helpline (talk or text) may be reached at 888-222-2228;
• The Crisis Text Line (text Home to 741741) is also available.
The Howell Township Municipal Alliance’s “Substance Use/Mental Health Support Services” web page at http://www.twp.howell.nj.us/540/Substance-UseMental-Health-Support-Servi provides a more comprehensive list of substance use/mental health support resources and local crisis interventionists.
Join the Facebook group Friends of the Howell Township Municipal Alliance for current information about these topics, as well as upcoming events and workshops.
The alliance, which may be reached at 732-938-4500, ext. 4012, will be bringing the Stigma Free Zone of Monmouth County to Howell to reduce mental health/substance use disorder stigmas that can prevent people from seeking assistance due to fear of judgment.
