In Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.,



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September is National Suicide Prevention Month

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This month, we want to take time to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide, those who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge all of those who have been impacted.  Why is this work important? According to the CDC, in 2021, there were 48,183 deaths by suicide in the United States, which is equivalent to 1 death every 11 minutes. 1.7 million adults attempted suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. In North Carolina, suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 10-18. There was a 94% increase in youth suicide from 2011-2020.  Suicide can be prevented by recognizing signs, learning how to help, and taking steps to help those in need. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Student Services Department has a district protocol to respond to and manage suicide risk.   Firearms are the most common method used,...
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Tis the season...

For all the feelings. The holiday season is not always a joyful time for everyone. Some are experiencing loss, grief, change, pain, and a variety of other feelings/emotions.  The Mental Health Association of Forsyth County shared this resource a few years ago. As we move into the holiday break, I wanted to reshare for those needing reminders.  Additionally, another great resource in our county for those who have experienced loss is Trellis Supportive Care. They offer grief counseling for individuals as well as groups and workshops.  A book recommendation that may also be helpful is "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine. The book is described as "for grieving people, those who love them, and all those seeking to love themselves - and each other - better."      Resources:  Mental Health Association of Forsyth County Trellis Supportive Care
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September is National Suicide Prevention Month

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  September is an important time to reflect on the steps we can all take to support mental health and prevent suicide. National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder to educate ourselves and our communities about the warning signs of suicide, risk factors, and available resources. Spreading awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages open conversations about mental health, empowering people to seek help when needed. According to the CDC, there were over 49,000 suicide deaths in 2022, equating to about one every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In that same year, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for ages 10-64 and the second leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 25-34. Certain racial/ethnic groups, like non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White people, have higher suicide rates. Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual have a higher prevalence...
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