World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is September 10. This designated day is recognized worldwide as an opportunity to focus attention on the suicide epidemic, normalize help-seeking, and chip away at the stigma that surrounds mental health conversations. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, where more than 15 out of every 100,000 citizens die by suicide. Some nations around the world have even higher numbers, while many have fewer.
Regardless of where you live or what language you speak, everyone can agree on the only acceptable number of deaths by suicide – zero. Given that addiction and suicide are closely linked in many cases, at TruHealing Centers, we consider our dual diagnosis treatment program to be one of our most essential tools in fighting the suicide epidemic. If you are struggling with substance abuse as well as a mental health challenge, grappling with thoughts of suicide, or worried about someone you care about, reach out to TruHealing Centers by calling [Direct] or using our online form.
Suicide Risk Factors
Drug or alcohol abuse and mental health disorders co-occur often, and substance use significantly increases the risk of suicide. Meanwhile, twenty-five percent of people with a mental health diagnosis are also addicted to alcohol or drugs. In most of those cases, self-medicating to dull the mental health symptoms was a factor in substance abuse. The risk of overlap between suicidality and substance abuse is significant.
A list of top risk factors for suicide includes:
- Alcohol and/or drug abuse
- Lack of available addiction treatment or mental health care
- Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
- Family history of suicide
- Chronic or terminal health diagnoses
- Job loss or significant financial problems
- History of abuse or trauma
- Loss of a loved one
- Relationship loss
- Isolation and lack of social support
- Suicide clusters in one’s community
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Suicide Prevention
In a dual diagnosis treatment program, people with co-occurring disorders of addiction and, for example, depression receive the care they need to address both issues. Suicide prevention is a vital mission for all mental health and addiction recovery providers – not just on Suicide Prevention Day but every day.
When you enter a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program at TruHealing Centers, the staff will understand all aspects of your addiction and mental health history and your medical history to best design a treatment plan that is ideally suited to your needs. The interplay between a mental health diagnosis and your substance use disorder will make drug or alcohol treatment more complex.
In the past, the two disorders would have been treated separately. We now understand that the best treatment plan integrates therapies to treat the whole person, addressing addiction and mental health challenges together.
Treatments for co-occurring disorders may include:
- Therapy provided in group and individual settings
- Mental health assessment and treatment by psychologists and psychiatrists
- Peer support groups
- Holistic options such as mindfulness practices
- Skills training and practice for functioning outside rehab and avoiding relapse
- Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma-informed care models addressing the whole person
The best way to honor World Suicide Prevention Day is to reach out to help those you are worried about and also seek support and treatment for yourself if you suspect you are at risk.
Honor World Suicide Prevention Day with TruHealing Centers
At TruHealing Centers, we offer evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment for all mental health disorders and addictions. Our devoted team of professional addiction and mental health specialists is ready to usher you onto the path of recovery. Our goal is to reduce your risk of self-harm by supporting you with coordinated treatment. We will help you navigate recovery while you receive excellent mental health care.
World Suicide Prevention Day, and every day, your mental health and your lifelong journey of wellness and sobriety are paramount to all of us in TruHealing Centers around the country. Reach out today by calling [Direct] or filling out our online form. Our team is ready to help.
