HHSC Highlights National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The Health and Human Services Commission Office of Mental Health Coordination is offering virtual trainings in September on suicide prevention, intervention and postvention support strategies.

By learning about the warning signs of people who may be at risk of suicide and ways for them to get help, anyone can make a difference in the lives of those thinking about suicide.

Public Trainings

The following public training webinars are available in September to help prevent suicide and help those in need.

• Language Matters
  10–11 a.m. Sept. 6
  When discussing suicide, language matters. The HHSC Suicide Prevention Team will discuss clear and factual ways to talk about suicide.
• Thriving Together: Building Workplace Resilience Through Connection
  10–11:30 a.m. Sept. 13
  Learn how authentically connecting with others helps prevent suicide and has a positive effect on people seeking help and offering help.
• Warriors Burden: Recognize Silent Suffering and Help Heal our Military Heroes
  10–11:30 a.m. Sept. 20
  Explore suicide prevention through the eyes of a veteran with lived experience. Delve into the struggles service members face when transitioning to civilian life, and get strategies for fostering open dialogue and support to aid in their healing.
• Suicide Prevention for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 27
  Find out important ways to connect with people with autism spectrum disorder who may be considering suicide.

Additional Resources

Being able to identify warning signs is a crucial step in getting people the help they need. The signs can include someone talking or writing about suicide, putting their affairs in order or increasing their use of substances.

If you recognize these warning signs, it’s important to connect with suicide prevention resources:

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and online chat is available 24/7 to offer guidance and assistance for people and their loved ones who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Contact the lifeline by calling or texting 988.
• The Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 access to free counseling through text messaging. To access, text TX to 741741.

To learn more, email OMHC Suicide Prevention or visit the HHSC Suicide Prevention webpage.