EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – September is National Suicide Prevention Month and when mental health advocates, organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness, according to 988 Lifeline website.
According to an article published on Aug. 29 by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 720,000 people die due to suicide every year, and for every suicide, many more people attempt to take their own life.
In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally, according to WHO.
As we previously reported, El Paso reported 100 suicides in 2023. Out of that number, nine were in the age range of 11-19.
Although the reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, and influenced by multiple aspects of life, resources across the nation are available 24/7, as well as additional help you can get from locally.
One of these local resources is El Paso Behavioral Health System, a psychiatric hospital specializing in mental health and chemical dependency treatment, as well as specialized military mental health treatment.
“As a behavioral healthcare provider here in El Paso, Texas our team at El Paso Behavioral Health System is dedicated to #BeThere in a manner that promotes connectedness. Culturally relevant services, evidence-based treatments and support are available,” read a news release sent by the hospital regarding Suicide Prevention Month.
You can call the hospital at (915) 541-6680 for a no-cost, confidential assessment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Other local resources to visit if struggling with mental health issues:
Project Vida Health Center telehealth
National resources:
988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which provides 24/7 confidential support.
The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans, call 988, press “1.”
Trevor Lifeline, national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386.
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