World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Raising awareness to save lives

JACKSON, Tenn. — It’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

Researchers say children and young adults in the U.S. are suffering from mental health disorders at unprecedented levels.

The good news is that suicide prevention programs have been proven effective.

Programs focus on overall health, preventing suicide attempts and reducing ER visits and hospitalizations. Families can work with experts to help struggling loved ones.

“Suicide is that permanent solution to what, usually, is a temporary problem so if we talk about mental health, if we talk about suicide prevention, we’re more likely to identify people that are struggling earlier, we’re likely to decrease stigma and build resilience for the future,” said Dr. James Polo, child psychologist and chief medical officer with Carelon Behavioral Health.

It’s important to recognize that everyone struggles with emotional difficulty. For a mental health emergency, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.

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