Across the U.S., survivors, organizations, and mental health advocates are promoting suicide prevention and awareness month. National suicide prevention week is next Monday through Sunday. 

29.0% of American individuals are affected by depression. Women, Young Adults, Black and Hispanic Adults have shown the highest increase in depression. 

For those experiencing depression symptoms, medical professionals recommend reaching out to a doctor as soon as you can. Being diagnosed with depression can only happen from a medical professional. 

There are many resources to help anyone who is currently suffering from depression or any distressing events. 

Individuals can reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline which is free and confidential. The hotline is dedicated to giving information to anyone who is facing mental or substance use disorder, in Spanish and English. 

988 suicide and Crisis Lifeline organized a message called “#BeThe1To”, The purpose is to encourage individuals to ask people around them about their mental well-being, which according to research helps individuals, experiencing suicidal thoughts to feel relieved.  

988 is also a hotline for suicide and crisis lifeline which is free and confidential. Individuals can text or call. There is a separate video hotline for those who are Deaf or Hard of hearing, where they can use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with the hotline.

988 Hotline links: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/ or call/ text 988

SAMHSA helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or call/text 1-800-662-HELP(4357)