New ideas like "safe storage maps" show gun owners where to put their firearms in safekeeping if a mental health crisis happens. The idea has support, but obstacles are in the way in some states.
Clancy Martin lives with two incompatible ideas in his head: "I wish I were dead – and I'm glad my suicides failed." His book shares insights and guidance for people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
The 3-digit suicide and crisis lifeline – 988 – fielded nearly half a million more calls, texts and chats in its first 5 months than the old 10-digit Lifeline did during the same time in 2021.
In a mental health crisis, a conversation with an empathetic listener can be live-saving. But when someone needs in-person help, there's a shortage of resources in many parts of the country.
Mental health advocates hope the new hotline will make it much easier to get support if you're in crisis or helping someone who is. Here's how it works and what could stand in its way.
With the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline set to launch in days, several states have been beset by staffing crunches, dropped or rerouted calls and lack of planning.
The 988 national phone system is designed to help those experiencing a mental health crisis. It will enhance access and encourage continued building of services to help reduce suicide and overdose in Georgia.
Ali Norris organized a countywide Out of the Darkness walk to raise awareness of and money for suicide prevention after losing her brother and a classmate.
Two months before the walk, a teacher in her school died by suicide.
A bipartisan group of Georgia lawmakers is working to get a bill across the Legislature’s finish line that would remove barriers that prevent families of police officers who died by suicide from collecting the same benefits as survivors of officers who die in the line of duty.
Gun buying among African Americans has soared in recent years. So have suicide rates among young black men. Gun safety efforts and suicide prevention need to address race and cultural differences.
Firearm-related deaths are continuing their rapid rise in the U.S., with a new study finding they have overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of "years of potential life lost" due to trauma.
In January, the Pew Charitable Trusts launched a project dedicated to reducing suicide rates by making risk assessment a part of routine hospital visits.
The new strategy is called "postvention." It means having a plan built on truth, compassion and counseling that quickly addresses the mental health needs of friends and classmates after a suicide.
Recent data from Georgia’s state health department show an increase in suicide attempts by teenage girls. That’s why the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is hosting a girls teen summit Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
