April 15, 2020
The SC Suicide Prevention Coalition would like to remind South Carolinians of the signs and symptoms of distress to watch out for and how to find help in these difficult times. “Now more than ever, we need to pull together to keep one another safe and healthy,” said State Senator and Coalition Co-chair Katrina Shealy.
"Symptoms like depression, substance use, anxiety, and thoughts or comments about self-harm are signals that a person is in need of help," said South Carolina Department of Mental Health State Director and Coalition Co-chair Kenneth Rogers, MD. "We are in this together, so we must also watch for these signs among our family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, not only ourselves. Help is available to you, 24/7, at no cost. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at (800) 273-8255 or text ‘HOME’ to 741741 to reach a counselor at the National Crisis Text Line. If you are concerned for yourself or someone you know, reach out - err on the side of life."
“If you’re living with anxiety, depression, or just need to talk, non-emergency resources are available, as well. If you are in need of mental health services, the SCDMH remains operational statewide, with clinical teams available on-site for emergencies and nursing services, as well as counseling and psychiatric consultations by video or phone. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the SCDMH Community Crisis Response line at (833) 364-2274.” said Jennifer Butler, LISW-CP-S, SCDMH director of the Office of Suicide Prevention. “No matter where you seek help, if you are struggling, find someone you trust to talk to – maybe your pastor or rabbi, or your family’s general practitioner. Remember, you are not in this alone.”
The South Carolina Suicide Prevention Coalition, comprising leaders of non-profit, public, and private organizations, including the SCDMH, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention-SC, Mental Health America-SC, the National Alliance on Mental Illness-SC, and more, formed in 2016 to address the suicide epidemic in South Carolina and develop a State plan. In late 2018, the Coalition published the SC Suicide Prevention Plan 2018-2025, a guide for all South Carolinians to prevent suicide. Co-chaired by Senator Shealy and Dr. Rogers, the group meets quarterly to share and examine data, monitor progress of projects, and develop strategies to implement the Plan.