September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Gardner, Spring Hill, Paola and surrounding areas for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, call or text 988
- National Helpline - 24/7 treatment referral and information 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Disaster Distress Helpline - 24/7 immediate crisis counseling related to disasters 1-800-985-5990
- Located in Paola, Elizabeth Layton Center (913-577-9096) is a mental health facility that offers a wide variety of outpatient services.
- Lakemary Center Inc. (913-557-4000) is located in Paola and specializes in the treatment of children/adolescents.
- Johnson County Mental Health maintains professional clinical staff on duty 24-hours-a-day to provide mental health emergency services (913-268-0156) .
- Located in Lawrence, KS, Bert Nash Center is the designated community mental health center and the certified community behavioral health clinic for Douglas County, KS. They also have a 24-hour line (785-843-9192).
- Please visit National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Kansas City for additional resources.
- Mental Health America has a free 2023 Mental Health Month Toolkit available for free download.
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
