September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

With Arizona marking September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we recognize the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many stressors, including emotional hardships, that can impact the overall health and mental well-being of Arizonans. It has never been more important for us to stay connected to the people we care about.

ADHS recently launched a campaign highlighting the positive effect of social connection on physical and mental health. Start a Conversation includes broadcast advertisements, social media posts, and a website – azdhs.gov/StartAConversation – with resources for individuals, employers, and healthcare providers.

Feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression can affect people of all ages and can be risk factors for mental health disorders and even suicide. Last year, we lost over 1,400 lives to suicide in Arizona, and many more experienced thoughts of suicide. Some groups of Arizonans carry a higher burden of suicide, including males over the age of 65, veterans, those living in rural settings, and American Indians.

Preventing suicides is a key goal in our 2021-2025 Arizona Health Improvement Plan, with public and private partners working together to increase suicide-prevention training, increase access to mental health services, and increase use of those services.

There’s a role for each of us as well. You may have a friend or family member who is struggling, and you can #BeThe1To reach out and start a conversation. You can learn the warning signs of suicide and the resources available to help.

It is important to know immediate help is available:

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “TALK” to 741-741
Chat: Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat.
Many counselors or other behavioral health professionals may be available through telehealth services.
Individuals in crisis can reach out for additional support through:
- Resilient Arizona: Crisis Counseling Program (dial 211),
- Be Connected Support Line 1-866-4AZ-VETS (429-8387) for Arizona veterans,
- Teen Lifeline 800-248-TEEN(8336), and
- Trevor Project Lifeline with phone, text, or webchat options for LGBTQ youth.
School staff can access mental health and suicide prevention resources through the Healthy Kids AZ Mobile App.
The AHCCCS Suicide Prevention website has resources by county.

We need each other now more than ever, and being kind to one another is the foundation of healthy, resilient communities.

By Sheila Sjolander|2021-09-21T13:58:15-07:00September 21st, 2021|Prevention|Comments Off

About the Author: Sheila Sjolander

Sheila Sjolander is the Deputy Director of Public Health Services at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Sheila oversees the divisions of Prevention, Preparedness and Licensing, a team of more than 700 people working toward the vision of health and wellness for all Arizonans. Prior to her appointment as deputy director, she served as Assistant Director for Prevention Services for more than a decade. In her 22 years at ADHS, Sheila has been a dedicated leader in health improvement, strategic planning, and the state’s work to reduce opioid overdoses. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University, and received the Outstanding Achievement in Rural Women’s Health from the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Association in 2016, and the CHW Champion Award from the Arizona Community Health Worker Association in 2017.