Raising Awareness during National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness month. Not only is the DCMH Senior Life Solutions program working to raise awareness during the month of September, but they work hard to engage and educate the community on the importance of emotional well-being every day.  Talk of suicide should never be dismissed. If you, or someone you know, is thinking of suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

The Senior Life Solutions program staff is trained in the use of standardized, evidence-based tools for screening patients at risk of suicide. In addition, the staff assists the patient to create a plan to prevent future suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts.

DCMH Senior Life Solutions program is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging.

“Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in 15-24 year-olds, one person dies by suicide every 9 minutes in this country and on the flip side of that coin, studies show that in our older adult population, those who attempt suicide are more successful than any other age group.  We need to respond to those who show signs of depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders and help them get to the care provider that can help them.

Suicides are happening here in our state, in our county and in our town.  We shouldn’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member if they are thinking about suicide. Opening up the conversation can be the start in preventing them from becoming a part of the growing statistic that has completed suicide.

Senior Life Solutions provides Intensive Outpatient Treatment for older adults ages 65 and older, but we are available to support any organization with education and resources.  Use Suicide Prevention month to get us on your calendar to speak at your next meeting,” Lori Wise, Senior Life Solutions Program Director.

For more information, call the Decatur County Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions program at 812.663.1139.

ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) operates inpatient and outpatient programs located in rural communities across the country.  Founder and Chief Medical Officer, James A. Greene, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, was born and raised in a rural community, which today hosts a rural hospital.  He developed PMC with the sole mission to improve the quality of life of older adults living in rural communities.  PMC, which operates the Senior Life Solutions outpatient program and Green Oak Behavioral Health inpatient facilities, is one of the largest geriatric mental health management companies within rural hospitals across the United States.