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September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

During September and throughout the year, Magellan invites our network providers to join us in increasing awareness about the signs of suicide—in yourself and others—along with the importance of speaking up when help is needed.

Having an open, supportive conversation can be a lifeline for a person who’s thinking about ending their life.

With the right help, people can overcome temporary, self-destructive impulses and regain a sense of equilibrium.

You can play a vital role in this process.

Explore resources for you, your practice and your patients/clients:

For additional support in helping suicidal individuals, access Magellan’s resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (in English and Spanish), including this tip sheet you can share on helping someone who may be feeling suicidal (PDF).

Upcoming free webinar

• Sept. 29: Register for our live webinar, “Say more, save a life,” on Friday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. (Eastern). Listen as presenters discuss suicide prevention and the importance of speaking up if you feel suicidal or are concerned about someone who may be struggling.

You’ll also find digital signs, flyers, posters and more you can use in your practice to promote awareness and reduce stigma about this vital issue.

Knowing the risk factors and recognizing the warning signs can help prevent a suicide.

That’s why we also encourage you to share suicide prevention resources from our Healthwise library (search keyword “suicide”) with anyone you know who could benefit, especially Magellan members in your care.

The following protective measures can help those with suicidal ideation: Contact with providers, e.g., receiving follow-up phone calls from a healthcare professional. Immediate access to trained crisis counselors via 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Connection and relationships with family, friends, community and social institutions. Learning problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

 If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, call or text 988 or chat (988lifeline.org), 24/7 for free and confidential support.

You can also tap into clinically valid treatment recommendations synthesized from professional associations and studies worldwide in the form of Magellan’s clinical practice guideline (PDF) for assessing and managing the suicidal patient, plus condensed tip sheets for keeping the suicidal patient safe (PDF).