This article discusses topics that might be sensitive to readers. Topics of mental health and self-harm are discussed.
EVERETT, SEPT. 24: Last year, more than 280,000 calls and texts were answered through the Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) crisis text and call line.
The VOAWW oversees regional crisis lines that operates 24/7 for those needing free and confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. VOAWW serves 32 counties statewide.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and open up the conversation around mental and behavioral health. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in Washington State and eleventh in the U.S. The U.S. Surgeon General issued a public health advisory on youth mental health in 2021.
Courtney Colwell, Director of 988 services at VOAWW, said that watching for risk factors and warning signs is important in identifying suicidal tendencies.
If your loved one has expressed feeling hopeless or shows a loss of interests, having an open and direct conversation is the best way to address the situation, she said.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is people think asking about suicide puts the idea of suicide in that person’s head,” Colwell said. “It doesn’t. Asking directly alleviates the pressure of difficult feelings.”
When engaging in a conversation with someone who is struggling, ask them gently but directly if they are thinking about suicide. Listen without judgment and be prepared to offer your support. Encourage them to seek treatment by connecting with their doctor or therapist.
Snohomish County Human Services Department Behavioral Health Division offers services and programs to address the needs of the community from adults to youths. Resources can be found here. The City of Everett has additional localized resources here.
With recent cuts to Medicaid, between 200,000 and 300,000 Washingtonians are projected to be impacted, Public Information Officer Mohamed Bughrara wrote in an email. The funding cuts put a strain on behavioral health providers.
“When individuals are unable to access basic behavioral health services or those services are difficult to access, overall wellbeing suffers and increases risk factors for behavioral health concerns, including suicide,” Bughrara wrote.
The Behavioral Health Division oversees the Snohomish County Youth Suicide Prevention Taskforce to help parents and youth navigate mental health topics.
For the past two years, the Taskforce has hosted the “You Are Not Alone” event, focused on building resilience and providing youth and families with practical tools to support youth mental health and combat suicide, Bughrara wrote.
“Our community can foster resilience and increase protective factors for youth – including building healthy coping skills, supporting positive parenting strategies, and creating safe, healing environments – leading to impacts on the overall health and wellbeing of our community,” Bughrara wrote.
If you, a loved one, or someone you know are struggling with mental health, call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
