Suicide

Hospitals in St. Petersburg and other parts of the U.S. are seeing more young people come in with suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, you can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Rising suicide rates have forced the Pentagon to review the military's mental health protocols. But many service members in crisis still fear coming forward and admitting they need help.

Her son was diagnosed with PTSD while he was in the Air Force, and after his deployment he showed suicidal signs that she didn't recognize. Now, she is turning the tragedy into help for others.

The Mental Health for Heroes Foundation hopes to provide around 250 hours of paid counseling a month and other mental health services to first responders and their families.

The money will pay for 10 staffers focused on handling 988 calls. Staff now are juggling those calls while also managing other helplines.

Racial and ethnic minority groups are most likely to live in impoverished areas, where homicide and suicide rates are highest. Mental health leaders hope the 988 phone number will be so easy to remember that they'll get help before it's too late.

Proponents say the number will be easier to remember or dial in a crisis. They also hope it improves access to services, decreases unnecessary interactions with the police and saves lives.

Some advocates are also concerned that 988 could incidentally increase the Baker Acting of children with autism and developmental disabilities.

Suicides from the span had averaged 12 to 15 a year, Since the installation of the fencing in June 2021, there have been four deaths, although another 10 people jumped and survived.

About 400 doctors die by suicide in the United States each year in a profession that dissuades them from speaking up about burnout or depression and seeking help. A nonprofit is trying to change the culture.

The recent change in four Florida area codes and 81 others in the country will give residents access to 988 for suicide help, similar to using 911 for other medical emergencies.

The founder of a nonprofit that provides counseling to Black and Caribbean families avoids the word "mental" and prefers "emotional" health: "And emotional health is like physical health — seeking help is OK."