Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Suicide is not a topic that most people want to talk about or one that comes up naturally in conversation. Bridging the topic can be awkward. While the topic of mental health is now a more common one than it used to be, there are still topics that feel taboo and off-limits. That’s why Palmetto is proud to promote September as Suicide Prevention Month, to help provide those in our community with awareness of the topic of suicide and helpful tools to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts, and ultimately prevent suicide at large.

The ACE Suicide Prevention Model

This is a month to share information, resources, and most importantly, support. If you believe someone needs help, we encourage you to follow the ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) suicide prevention model, with these easy-to-remember steps:

Ask

Ask, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Although it may feel uncomfortable, research shows that people who experience thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way.

Care

Show you care. The context of caring makes it a lot easier to ask the hard questions about suicide. By actively listening and engaging, without judgment, you are showing that you care – this might just be enough to help the person feel relief and that they are not alone.

Escort

When someone acknowledges that they are feeling suicidal or hopeless, care enough to connect them to the nearest helping resource. Do not leave them alone! If possible, separate them from methods of harm.

Suicide Prevention & Emergency Resources:

In a life-threatening emergency please call 911 or access the nearest emergency room.

If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255, 1-800-784-2433, or text (HELLO) 741741 to speak with a trained counselor.

Additional Crisis Support Resources

• The Veterans Crisis Line
  • 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones.
  • Dial 988 then Press 1
  • Or text 838255
• The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Piedmont Tri-County
  • Available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.
  • Call 800-950-NAMI
  • Or email info@nami.org
• Safe Passage, Inc. Domestic Violence, Sexual Trauma, Child Advocacy
  • Serving South Carolina’s York, Chester, and Union Counties.
  • Call the crisis line at (803) 329-2800
• National Institute of Mental Health Suicide Prevention

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Palmetto Counseling Client Resources

An On-Call Palmetto Counseling therapist is available outside of our office hours for active clients in our care experiencing an urgent, mental health emergency. Please call (803) 517-3880 and leave your name, phone number, and a brief message for us to assist you in this circumstance.

To reach us for non-urgent concerns please fill out the form here with your contact information and our team will assist you during our office hours.

Starting the Conversation Can Save a Life

This topic is never easy to discuss with your loved ones, but it is essential. Starting the conversation can be the beginning of saving a life, and that is what we value most at Palmetto Counseling. To continue support for you and your loved ones, schedule an appointment with one of our phenomenal therapists today!