SEPTEMBER 2022
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties has many local resources and initiatives for suicide prevention.
The Hopeline is a local helpline available 24/7 staffed by mental health professionals. If you or a loved one are in crisis, call 1-800-567-HOPE (4673) to talk to someone.
The We Care Regional Crisis Center combines services to provide quality crisis intervention. The Crisis Center’s services include the crisis Hopeline, crisis counseling, screening and crisis intervention for youth, medically managed withdrawal for Opioids and Stimulants, and Emergency Diagnostic Assessments. Mental health and addiction professionals staff the Crisis Center making counseling services available for those in need.
The Crisis Center is a safe place for you to go if in crisis or to bring your loved ones. It is located at 797 South Main Street in Lima. You or a loved one can be referred to the We Care Regional Crisis Center by calling the 24/7 Hopeline at 1-800-567-4673.
Mental Health Screenings are a quick, anonymous way to check in on your mental health from wherever you are. Community members can also quickly assess a loved one through a screening. These mental health screenings are paid for by public funding through the MHRSB. It is yours to use whenever you want to check up on your mental health.
Screenings are provided for Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Adolescent Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Disordered Eating, Opioid Misuse, Psychosis, Substance Use, Gambling, and general Well-Being.
Take an anonymous screening wecarepeople.org/screening.
Youth & Suicide Prevention
According to the CDC, almost 10% of high school students attempted suicide in 2020. That number was even higher among girls, Black teens, and LGBTQ+ teens. Suicide rates among youth continued to stay above pre-pandemic levels in 2021.
Our youth are in crisis and turning to self-harm. But suicide can be prevented. Parents, family members, friends, teachers, school staff, coaches, service providers, and many others can all help prevent suicide amount our youth. They need our support now more than ever.
Youth who feel suicidal are unlikely to seek help. Learn the youth suicide warning signs to know when to talk to your children and take action.
When a child shows signs that they might be considering suicide:
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Ask the child or teen directly if they are thinking about suicide.
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Listen and do not judge.
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Reassure them there is help and they will not always feel this way.
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Provide constant supervision. Do not leave them alone.
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Remove ways they can hurt themselves, such as guns and pills.
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Get help. Never agree to keep a child’s suicidal thoughts a secret. Seek help from local behavioral health services or your school’s mental health professional.
If you or someone you love is experiencing signs of suicide or is in crisis, call our 24/7 Hopeline for help at 1-800-567-HOPE. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Hopeline: 1-800-567-4673
You can also call 988 to be connected with a trained counselor if you cannot remember our local Hopeline. For local mental health resources in Allen County, call 211.
If you are in crisis call 1-800-567-HOPE (4673) or text 741 741.