September is Suicide Awareness Month

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) and the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) are joining efforts to enhance community awareness about suicide prevention resources.

More than 41,000 people die by suicide each year. Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts regardless of age, ethnicity or gender. Individuals with a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder are at an increased risk of suicide.

Suicide is preventable, dispelling a common myth that if someone really wants to die by suicide, he or she will. Learn and notice the following warning signs of suicide:
 Talking, writing, or thinking about death
 Increased alcohol and drug use
 Impulsive or reckless behavior
 Social withdrawal from friends, family, and the community
 Dramatic mood swings.

The 2018 theme for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is Cure Stigma. Stigma is when someone is viewed in a negative way because they have a mental health disorder. It discourages individuals from seeking the help they need, and creates an environment of shame and fear.

OCHN and OCHD are using their social media sites and community connections to educate the public on available resources, as well as recognizing warning signs of suicide. For more information, visit the Oakland County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force (OCYSPT) website at www.oakgov.com/suicideprevention, or visit www.oaklandchn.org and select the “Suicide Prevention Saves Lives” website banner. Find OCHN and OCHD on Facebook and Twitter for suicide prevention information and resources.

About OCHN
Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is the public mental health system responsible for identifying, influencing, and delivering services and supports to approximately 26,000 Oakland County residents, including individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, adults with mental health disorders, children with serious emotional disturbance, and persons with substance use disorders. Most of these individuals have Medicaid.

OCHN’s current network of service providers include: Common Ground, Community Housing Network, Community Living Services, Community Network Services, Easterseals Michigan, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Oakland Family Services, Inc., and Training and Treatment Innovations. A complete list of substance use service providers is available on OCHN’s website. For more information about OCHN call 800- 341-2003 or visit www.oaklandchn.org

About OCHD

The Oakland County Health Division provides health services for the public, businesses and educational communities. The Health Division’s 40+ programs/services focus on preventing the spread of disease; ensuring a safe and clean environment; promoting and encouraging healthy behaviors; preparing for emergencies; surveillance of disease threats; and ensuring accessibility of health services. The Health Division identifies real public health issues affecting the community and addresses needs with cost effective services. OCHD programs benefit every Oakland County resident, as well as countless visitors.

About OCYSPT

The Oakland County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force was created in 2011 to coordinate suicide prevention efforts in Oakland County. Partners include Affirmations, Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety, Beaumont Health, Common Ground, Community Network Services, Easterseals Michigan, Friendship Circle, Havenwyck Hospital, Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit, National Alliance of Mental Illness – Metro Detroit, New Oakland Family Centers, Oakland Community Health Network, Oakland County Health Division, Oakland County Youth Assistance, Oakland Family Services, Oakland Schools, Oakland University, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, and Training & Treatment Innovations.

If you or someone you know may be thinking of suicide, going through a hard time, or just need to talk, call or text the Common Ground Resource and Crisis Helpline at 1-800-231-1127 or chat online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.commongroundhelps.org.
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