Your life is important to everyone around you, including us

Author:
By Sherrie Pratt

Life is a precious gift, and we must protect it. Everyone has their share of problems, heartbreak, stress, financial issues, etc. But when the going gets tough, remember you are not alone. You are loved, valued, and bring so much to this world in your own perfectly imperfect way. Conversations about suicide are not taboo. If you need help, there’s no shame in talking about it. Just that one step could save your life and prevent heartbreak to those who love and care about you.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Central Florida Health Care’s mission is to let everyone know there are programs in place to help those contemplating suicide as well as families worried about their loved one’s behalf.

More than 700,000 people take their own lives every year. This number is equivalent to one person every 40 seconds. In 2018, suicide ranked the 2nd leading cause of death for those as young as ten up to age 34. Males continue to die by suicide at a much higher rate than females.

Behavioral Health Psychologist Dr. Ingrid Atiles champions suicide prevention awareness. She encourages healthy conversations between friends and family members to check on each other’s well-being. She says statistics show mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, play a role in suicides. Proper treatment can prevent that with medication and therapy.

Central Florida Health Care’s goal is to enhance awareness for suicide prevention by helping our patients recognize when they need support. This action reduces the risk.

Increasing prevention education helps build life skills, including critical thinking, stress management, and coping strategies.

More effective suicide prevention interventions such as safety planning, evidence-based treatments, and therapies delivered by trained providers can lead to significant improvement and recovery.

Our providers are available for crisis and support appointments for those affected by attempted suicide or a death by suicide.

Just being a supportive parent, relative, or friend can prevent a tragedy from happening. Help is also available 24 hours a day with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255.

Don’t ever forget your value, your worth, and your ability to help save a life too.

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