The City of Columbia shares support resources in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month

The City of Columbia wants to remind everyone that you are not alone and YOU MATTER! As we wind down the month of September, which is Suicide Prevention Month, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) aims to continue raising awareness, spreading hope and sharing vital information on how everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. “Feelings of hopelessness can happen to anyone at any age. It is important to remember that there is hope and there are resources available during tough times,” stated Dr. Trevon Fordham, Director of the ONSE.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) lists the following suicidal warning signs to watch out for:

• Comments or thoughts about suicide
• Increased substance use
• Aggressive behavior
• Isolation or withdrawal from friends, family and community
• Unusual mood swings
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

Loved ones are often unprepared or unsure of what to do during a mental health crisis. To help, NAMI created resource guides that offer guidance on supporting individuals in crisis.https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/

In South Carolina, the following resources are available to anyone experiencing suicidal crisis or facing mental health-related distress:

• The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support via a mental health professional with the Lifeline network. To connect, call or text 988.
• The South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) Mobile Crisis clinicians provide 24/7 community-based crisis response anywhere in South Carolina. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact DMH’s Mobile Crisis Team at 833-364-2274.
• The SCDMH Deaf Services Hotline is dedicated to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and in crisis or in need of resources. It is also available to contact for hospital consultation, telepsychiatry interpreter requests and mental health center referrals. The Deaf Services Hotline is available 24/7, statewide, at 803-339-3339 (VP), visit https://www.scdmh.org/services-and-programs/deaf-services/ or email [email protected]
• The Crisis Text Line is a nationwide resource for anyone in need of crisis assistance but who is not able or ready to call into a resource line. South Carolina has its own code for the line. South Carolinians can reach the Crisis Text Line 24/7, toll-free, by texting HOPE4SC to 741-741 (Español: “AYUDA” to 741-741). Texts to this line do not use your data or show up on your phone bill.
• If you or someone you know is in danger and needs immediate assistance, call 911. On their website, NAMI offers advice for calling 911 and talking with police during a mental health crisis.
• School-aged children or their parent/guardian should contact their child’s school and speak with the designated staff (counselor, social worker, mental health professional) for assistance.