988 Crisis Lifeline ramps up efforts to support La. residents facing mental health crises
9th October 2023 · 0 Comments
By Fritz Esker
Contributing Writer
It’s an issue that affects people across the globe and, in the United States, is the 11th leading cause of death; yet, it’s an issue that can easily go unaddressed for those not equipped to recognize the signs: Suicide.
According to the Louisiana Dept. of Health, 48,183 Americans died by suicide, in 2021. That’s about one death every 11 minutes. In Louisiana, suicide is the 14th leading cause of death overall, but the 3rd leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-24 and 25-34.
Dr. Robyn Thomas, a state suicide prevention coordinator for Louisiana, said instances of suicide have been on the rise in the state since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, there were 642 recorded suicides in Louisiana; that number rose to 689 in 2021, an increase that came after an initial reduction in recorded instances from 2018 to 2020.
Now, in order to once again reduce suicide instances and help provide support to individuals experiencing mental health crises and substance abuse issues, the state is ramping up its efforts to help save lives by making sure residents are aware of and have access to the resources they need.
In 2022, the La. Dept. of Health launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a confidential and free 24-hour helpline that connects callers with mental health professionals. Calls to the hotline are fielded by Louisiana’s two certified Lifeline centers – VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG). VIA LINK provides primary coverage for area codes 504, 225 and 985; LACG provides primary coverage for area codes 318 and 337. The centers provide backup to each other to help ensure that all calls, chats and texts are answered by an in-state Lifeline center that has access to local resources. Residents can reach the hotline by simply dialing 9-8-8 on their phones.
Dr. Thomas has stressed that the state is working hard to get the message out about the 988 helpline to all of Louisiana, with a special focus on vulnerable populations like the BIPOC community, the LGBTQ+ community, and military veterans. They have reached out to trusted sources like physicians and faith-based groups to spread the word. She said people should be unafraid to ask for help.
“There is still a stigma out there,” Dr. Thomas said. “It keeps people from reaching out for help. We want people to know that 988 is here and we want people to see themselves in the messaging.”
And though the most significant issue the hotline is set up to assist with is a person contemplating suicide, Dr. Thomas emphasized that it is not just for those harboring suicidal thoughts. It is for anyone going through a mental health crisis. That could be the loss of a loved one or a job, that could be generalized anxiety, or that could be just a really bad day.
“My crisis may not be the same as yours,” Dr. Thomas said. “When you reach our helpline, you will talk to someone caring, compassionate and highly trained.”
Some people may not be willing to take the initial step to reach out on their own. Loved ones can help by being aware of various warning signs for suicide.
Meredith Dubose, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and therapist, said changes in behavior can be a cause for concern. An example would be someone who was once very active socially and optimistic but who has become pessimistic and withdrawn. That person may suddenly show no more interest in a once-beloved hobby. A person might also verbalize feelings of having nothing to live for and feeling trapped. Some will engage in increasingly risky behavior. This can come in many forms including sexual behavior and substance abuse.
“One of the most telling behaviors can be giving things away, talking about death and dying often, or saying goodbyes,” Dubose said. “Someone who expresses a desire to die, plan or intent to harm themselves, or uses the word ‘suicidal’ should always be taken seriously.”
However, it is important to note that these warning signs are not universal. Each person is different. If you suspect a loved one might be suicidal, talking to them about it honestly and openly is an important first step that many people are afraid to take.
“People often think that talking about suicide to someone who is struggling will implant the idea in their mind or make the situation worse. This is false,” said Frances Currie, LMSW and program manager of Teen Life Counts at the Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans. “Asking direct questions and discussing safety concerns allows people to be honest about what they are going through. It is a core part of suicide prevention.”
If you do take that first step to reach out to your loved one about their suicidal thoughts, it is important to listen to them in a non-judgmental way.
“I encourage you to lead with curiosity, no judgment, validation and openness,” Dubose said. “It is not helpful, and can be harmful, to start a conversation with the goal of talking someone out of it by discussing how many people it would hurt if they were gone or all the things they have going for them in their life.”
Dubose added that a good way to start a difficult conversation about suicide is “I’m feeling concerned about your mental health lately. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help you find a professional to help you?”
Dr. Thomas echoed that sentiment and acknowledged that the 2020s have posed many challenges for everyone and also warned against making one-size-fits-all generalizations and conclusions.
“Suicide is a complex issue,” Dr. Thomas said. “There is not just one cause.”
There are resources online for people going through a mental health crisis including the 988 website (www.louisiana988.org) and the National Institute of Mental Health (nimh.nih.gov).
This article originally published in the October 9, 2023 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
