September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
It’s ok to start a conversation, to provide support, and to offer help to someone who needs it. Let me put this information upfront: Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. You can call or text 988 and even Chat at 988lifeline.org. It’s free, available 24/7 and confidential.
I’m Charlene Stevens Jenkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Veterans Health Administration and Ministry Leader of Celebrate Recovery (CR) at Live Oak Church in Hinesville.
If you know someone who is struggling, please let them know they are not alone. Here are a few things we all can do to help prevent suicides: 1. Reach out; 2. Listen and 3. Seek help. If you’re struggling, reach out to a sponsor, accountability partner or someone you trust. If you aren’t struggling, let someone know you care and that you’re willing to be there for them.
One of the most important things for us to do is to stay connected with other people and not isolate if they’re not doing ok. If you ARE ok, check on someone else. We need each other.
My challenge to you TODAY…is to first determine where you are. Be completely honest. Stop acting like nothing is wrong. If you’ve been thinking about hurting yourself or if you just wish you weren’t alive anymore, tell someone. Call someone. Dial 988.
Maybe that’s not you. Maybe you’re just fine, but you may know someone who isn’t doing so well. I challenge to you to reach out to that person either by a phone call, text, visit, DM, or other creative ways. And if someone DOES reach out you for help, please stop what you’re doing and make the time to listen.
It’s a serious matter, and it takes courage to reach out for help. We want to be there for them. You don’t have to have all of the answers. You don’t have to be able to solve all of their problems. Be a listening ear. You will show them that you care and you can help point them in the right direction, if needed. Connect them with available resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
At some point, you may go online to find support groups available in the area. Also, find a Celebrate Recovery near you at www.celebraterecovery.com. Click on Locator and enter your address. If you’re in the Liberty or Long County areas, we meet on Mondays from 7-9 at Live Oak Church, 296 Live Oak Church Rd, Hinesville GA 31313.
Thank you so much for your time. For all of my previous blogs, visit charlenestevensjenkins.com
