Medical Minute: Suicide Awareness

As Suicide Awareness Month comes to a close, OhioHealth physicians are encouraging the individuals to prioritize their mental health and know where to turn for support.

“A mental health crisis is a medical crisis,” said Megan Schabbing, MD, medical director of psychiatric emergency services at OhioHealth. “I tell my patients all the time, if you’re suffering from anxiety or having depression, that is just as if you are suffering from diabetes. There is no reason to be embarrassed. You need to reach out and get some help because this is a fixable problem."

Suicide is not only a concern for those with known mental health conditions. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than half of people who die by suicide had no prior mental health diagnosis. Dr. Schabbing said stressful life events can lead someone to experience what is called  “frantic hopelessness,” a feeling of being trapped with no way forward.

If you or a loved one is struggling, Dr. Schabbing recommends reaching out to a primary care physician to start addressing the issue. In urgent situations, when someone expresses thoughts of suicide or plans to harm themselves, immediate action is critical, such as visiting an emergency department or contacting a local mental health crisis center.

If you are in crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

To learn more about behavioral and mental health services at OhioHealth, click here.