Charleston, South Carolina – Local mental health experts are raising awareness and educating the community, citing increased suicide rates among young people.
September is National Suicide Awareness Month, and to conclude, Empowering Families SC organized an open forum for everyone to learn and discuss this tough topic.
“With how prevalent mental health issues are going on, we’re starting to see a big rise in suicide events that are occurring in children in middle school and high school,” Ashlin Blum, the event’s coordinator, said. “The more we can get people to understand the signs and symptoms, the more we can help them advocate and get help and resources from other adults and community partners we have in Charleston.”
Leaders estimate that one in every five teenagers has seriously considered suicide. It is an alarming statistic that they hope to minimize by exposing services and ways to determine whether someone requires assistance.
“The biggest thing is to try and understand the signs and symptoms of somebody who is going through a mental health event, who might be suicidal, to be able to learn how to help and support them in that time and then get them the resources we have here in the community,” Blum said the crowd.
While the event on Monday marks the end of Suicide Awareness Month, Blum says they are committed to supporting kids and families throughout the year by demonstrating that they are not alone.
“Be able to ask for help,” Blum advised. “Be able to express what you’re going through. There are many people in the globe who have either experienced it or are now going through it. So you are not alone; there is a lot of aid available, and we want to be able to provide it to you.”
Organizers claim there is assistance available. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988. A mental health expert will be available on the other end of the call to assist or answer questions.
