The 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline allows people to get help via phone, text, or online chat for any mental health-related distress. It was launched in 2022, but most Americans don’t yet know it exists. Despite the low level of awareness about this resource, in it’s first year, the 988 hotline received more than 5.5 million calls, texts and chats. Physician suicide is at an all-time high and in 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death in young adults. Also in 2022, the Health Resources & Services Administration launched a separate National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746). Sleeplessness, dramatic hormonal changes and lack of family support can be a deadly combination for mothers.
September is National Suicide Awareness Month.
We all want to do something to help, but it’s hard to know what to do. However, anyone can post a notice about the 988 hotline somewhere that patients, coworkers or the pubic can see it. Suicide is preventable, and no one should have to go through a crisis alone.
Caroline
Dr. Fife is a world renowned wound care physician dedicated to improving patient outcomes through quality driven care. Please visit my blog at CarolineFifeMD.com and my Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/carolinefifemd/videos
