September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it's a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges.
We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Indian River County for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
Mental Health Association in Indian River County
- Click here to visit their website
- Walk-In & Counseling Center open Monday - Friday 8:30 am. - 5:00 pm and no appointment is necessary - just walk in.
- 820 37th Place, Vero Beach, FL
- Call (772) 569-9788 for assistance with a mental health issue
Unstruggle
- Click here to visit their website
- (772) 217-3663
- 2345 14th Ave. Suite 5, Vero Beach, FL 32960
School District of Indian River County
- Click here to view their mental wellness services page
211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast
- Click here to view their website - large resource database available
- Suicide prevention information here
- Call 211 for free, confidential help available 24/7. This helpline provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and referral to community services.
To Write Love on Her Arms
- Click here to view their website
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer Kindness, Empathy, and Support
During this National Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
