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Advocates share information on where to seek help during National Suicide Awareness Month

San Angelo offers services to people dealing with mental health struggles.

Suicide has affected millions of people nationwide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention said suicide represents the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. 

September serves as National Suicide Awareness Month, allowing mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

West Texas Counseling & Guidance ZERO Suicide program director Shelby Joseph said there have been 14 deaths since the beginning of 2021. While the suicide program at WTCG hasn’t been established for too long, she says it has been a big help for those dealing with mental health issues in the area. 

“This year we’ve seen a spike in suicides in the area. It’s most likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and peoples stress with that. Luckily numbers are still lower than 2018 thanks to the many programs in place like Shannon Behavioral Hospital or Rivercrest,” Joseph said. 

The ZERO Suicide program asks people dealing with thoughts of suicide the hard questions such as how they are doing mentally and if they’re having those thoughts of not wanting to live. That’s when the team gets together to do the work needed to get that person the proper care. 

In addition to the services they provide, WTCG partners with the Concho Valley Suicide Prevention Coalition to assist with people dealing with mental health struggles and Open Arms, the LGBTQ+ organization, is a part of that.

Open Arms is a nonprofit organization offering no-cost services for victims of sexual assault, LGBT services and education and prevention outreach for the Concho Valley. 

The National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center reported that rape/sexual assault victims were 13 times more likely than non-crime victims to have attempted suicide (13% vs. 1%). While Open Arms doesn’t deal with suicide directly, they do assist any victims of sexual assault and support them in any way possible.

“We have weekly support groups for teenagers as well as for adults to be that support system they need to get them through their tough time. The purpose of Open Arms is to serve as a safe space for those who need a place to call home  and we are always here to help,” Open Arms LGBTQ+ crisis center advocate Jon Zachariah said. 

WTGC also has services specifically aimed at veterans dealing with mental health issues and needing to talk to someone. Almost 8,000 veterans live in Tom Green County and make up a large percentage of Texas, according to the United States Census Bureau. 

If you know someone dealing with thoughts of suicide, you can direct them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

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