Suicide Prevention
There is hope. If you or a loved one is suffering from suicidal thoughts in the United States, call 988.
Additional resources are listed below. If you’d like access to a number of educational video series featuring credentialed psychologists and psychiatrists, provide your email at the bottom of this page. You got this.
Immediate Help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line
Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Access their Online Treatment Locator or call 1-800-662-4357.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
1-800-656-4673
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386
Veterans Crisis Line
Text 838255
Have a Life-Saving Conversation
With the rates of completed suicide are rising, (it is currently the 10th-leading cause of death), it’s more important than ever to get properly educated on the topic and understand options for help.
“Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself or others?”
Asking a loved one if they are struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation can be a difficult topic to bring up, but it can save a life. Practice compassionate questioning, listen openly and offer support free from judgment. In an emergency, call 911. You can learn more about how to have this life-saving conversation.
Causes of Suicide
It is estimated that 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. Source
Suicide in Males
Suicide is 4X higher among men compared to women, accounting for nearly 80% of all US suicides. Source
Create a Safety Plan
Leveraging support systems, access to care, and education all contribute to preventing suicide. Start your safety plan with “Patient Safety Plan Template.”
Watch In-Depth Educational Series
MedCircle is proud to provide in-depth series covering a variety of mental health topics. Access our video library here or on the MedCircle app.
Session 1 – Suicidal Ideation 101: The Stages and When to Seek Help
In our first session, triple-board certified forensic and neuropsychologist, Dr. Judy Ho explains the nature of suicidal ideation and why it can evolve to something more serious. She also shares when you or your loved one should seek immediate help.
Session 2 – Risk Factors & Causes of Suicidal Ideation: A Breakdown
Dr. Judy provides a comprehensive breakdown of the biological, environmental, and psychological causes and risk factors of suicidal ideation.
Session 3 – How to Recognize the Signs of Suicidal Ideation
The signs of suicidal ideation are not obvious. Dr. Judy shares the physical, behavioral and emotional signs and how you can recognize them in this session.
Session 4 – How to Approach Talk to Someone with Suicidal Ideation
Understanding how to approach someone experiencing suicidal ideation is difficult. In this session, Dr. Judy breaks down how to handle this delicate situation.
Session 5 – Treatment Options and Long-Term Management of Suicidal Ideation
In our final session, Dr. Judy shares effective treatments and interventions for suicidal ideation. She also shares what life can look like in the long-term for someone who has suffered from suicidal thoughts.
Session 1 – What to Know About Cyberbullying & Why It’s So Widespread in Schools
Dr. Domenick Sportelli is a double-board certified child & adolescent psychiatrist and father of three boys. Dianne Grossman lost her 12-year-old daughter, Mallory Grossman, to suicide. Diane is now a brave and strong voice in anti-bullying. In our first session, Dr. Dom and Dianne break down what parents and loved ones absolutely need to understand about cyberbullying in today’s generation of children and teenagers. They reveal the key differences between “traditional” bullying and cyberbullying. Dianne shares her daughter, Mallory’s story and why cyberbullying can lead to such drastic mental health outcomes like self-injury and suicide.
Session 2 – How to Spot Symptoms from Cyberbullying & Handle the Situation Sensitively
Dr. Dom, Dianne, and Kyle explain the neurological impacts of cyberbullying on children, and why it affects them more deeply than it would an adult. They also discuss why kids bully in the first place, and how to teach empathy to children. They also shed light on the telltale signs that a child or teenager is a victim of online harassment—even if that child or teenager is trying to hide it—and how to communicate with them once you spot those signs.
Session 3 – How Parents, Schools, & Peers Can Help Victims of Cyberbullying
Spotting the signs that your child or loved one is a target of online harassment is one thing. Understanding how to combat cyberbullying, and ensure a positive mental health outcome for your child or loved one, is another. This session walks through how both siblings and parents can best support victims of cyberbullying in the short- and long-term. Kyle, Dianne and Dr. Dom also share how the educational and online landscapes need to change in order to fight the destruction of cyberbullying.
Watch Free Videos on Mental Health
Watch free educational videos on mental health on the MedCircle YouTube Channel.
New videos are posted each week.