Evansville, Indiana (WFIE) – Officials say the number of people calling has increased since the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline was shortened to 9-8-8 in July 2022 .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the leading causes of death in the United States is suicide.
Emily Reedford, vice president of community outreach and education, says less stigma around mental health has led to more people reaching out when they need it.
Mr Reidford said: “So we will see an increase in emergency calls when people feel overwhelmed and have nowhere else to turn.”
About 80% of callers resolve crises over the phone, according to officials.
Reidford said the remaining 15 to 20 percent of callers are referred to local mental health resources such as the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center or Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare after contacting Lifeline.
Reidford says seasonal mental health issues aren’t the only reason for the increased call volume.
“What we’re seeing is an increase in the level of stress people are having, and it’s affecting people’s daily lives,” Reedford said.
Officials say between 35 and 40 people have died by suicide in Indiana.
Other statistics are equally important, Reidford says. Reedford says there aren’t many “good data” to discuss statistics on the number of people who have been helped using lifelines or looking for other options instead of suicide.
Reidford said 2023 is just around the corner, but state mental health statistics are still being collected.
Data on mental health statistics, such as the total number of reported suicides and the number of people receiving care, are still rolling in, and the data will help identify patterns and other ways states can provide care, she said. say.
If You Need Help If you are in a crisis and need mental health care, call 9-8-8 or someone you know.
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