People are talking about suicide: There’s help available locally

Terrible scenes and dangerous situations—our Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and police see things no one should have to see. Now suicide is on the rise among these first responders. How can we save the heroes who have dedicated their lives to saving us? News Center 7 Anchor Gabrielle Enright investigates Thursday, Oct. 25, beginning at 5 p.m.

Suicide is a rampant public health issue, causing nearly 45,000 deaths in 2016 alone. Call 1-800-273-8255 if you are in need of immediate help.

Suicide rates have increased in nearly every state over the past two decades, and half of the states have seen suicide rates increase by more than 30 percent, according to a new CDC report. Earlier this year, the deaths of New York fashion designer Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain were reported in June.

CONTINUED COVERAGE: 5 reasons why American works are more depressed, suicidal than ever before 

Spade, 55, was found dead in her New York apartment of an apparent suicide. CNN reported that celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, 61, was also found dead in a hotel room in France. It is reported that he also died of an apparent suicide.

 

If you’re feeling hopeless or thinking about suicide, get immediate help. Here are some options for taking action:

1. IN CRISIS Call 911 or your local emergency number if you are in crisis.

2. HOTLINE Call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

3. GETTING YOUR TEEN HELP According to Dayton Children's Hospital, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or your local hospital's department of psychiatry can provide a list of doctors in your area. Your local mental health association or county medical society can also provide references. In an emergency, you can call (800) SUICIDE.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital also offers a Surviving the Teens/Suicide Prevention Program providing support for families and teens during challenging times. For more information see their web site at cincinnatichildrens.org/psychiatry.

4. LOCAL HELP Call Samaritan Behavioral Health for local help. Samaritan Behavioral Health is located at Elizabeth Place at 601 Edwin C. Moses Blvd. To speak with someone 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, call Samaritan Behavioral Health at 937-224-4646.

• Montgomery County CrisisCare: 937-224-4646

• Preble County Crisis Number: 866-532-3097

• Miami County Crisis Number: 800-351-7347

5. SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER Get assistance at the Dayton Suicide Prevention Center at 937-226-0818. In Butler County, call the Butler County Mobile Crisis Team and Consultation at 1-844-427-4747. In Clark County, call Mental Health Services: 937-399-9500 or visit http://www.mhscc.org/for depression screening, counseling and medication treatment.

If you don't want to talk to someone in person, you can text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support at any time. https://www.crisistextline.org/

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