In addition to the back-to-school resources we featured in August, during September we take the opportunity to highlight the critical importance of mental health awareness, especially as it relates to suicide prevention. National Suicide Prevention Month serves as a vital reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, and it's essential to foster environments where open conversations about mental well-being are encouraged. To support our community during this time, we have curated a selection of resources designed to educate, support, and provide hope to those who may be struggling, as well as their loved ones. Whether it's learning to recognize the signs, knowing how to offer support, or finding the right professional help, these resources are here to remind everyone that they are not alone and that help is available.

Crisis Support

In times of crisis, knowing where to turn for immediate help can be lifesaving. If there is an emergency or immediate danger of harm, please call 911.For those who need crisis support, the following resources are available to provide help and hope:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for confidential, free support available 24/7/365. Whether you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, substance use concerns, or emotional distress related to economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, illness, abuse, or loneliness, the 988 Lifeline is here to help. You don't have to be suicidal or in crisis to reach out—you can also call if you're concerned about someone else. Spanish language support is available.

• Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. This service is available to anyone in crisis, whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or any other emotional distress.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "NAMI" to 741741 for support and resources related to mental health concerns. NAMI provides a broad range of support for individuals, families, and communities.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information services for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Support for Specific Communities

• Teen Link (for those under 21): 1-866-TEENLINK to talk to a peer.

• The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ young people): 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or dial 988, then press 3.

• Veterans Crisis Line (for current and former service members): Dial 988, then press 1.

• Trans Lifeline (peer support for transgender persons): 1-877-565-8860.

• Native and Strong Lifeline (when calling from a Washington area code): Dial 988, then press 4.

• Native Resource Hub: 1-866-491-1683 for assistance navigating behavioral health systems for tribes and tribally affiliated individuals.

• Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Text 988, dial 711 then 988 for TTY, or call 988 Videophone for ASL users.

• Ayuda En Español: Cuando usted llama al número 988.

• Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-547-6133.

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-9-HELPMOMS.

• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990.

Additional Suicide Prevention and Intervention Resources

• Crisis Connections: Offers a 24-hour crisis line with interpreter services in over 240 languages, including support for suicide prevention and mental health crises. Callers can request an interpreter in their preferred language when they contact the crisis line.

o Phone: 1-866-4CRISIS (1-866-427-4747)

• Consejo Counseling and Referral Service: Provides bilingual mental health counseling and suicide prevention services with a focus on the Latino community.

o Phone: 206-461-4880

• Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS): Offers culturally appropriate suicide prevention and mental health services in various Asian languages.

o Phone: 206-695-7600

• International Community Health Services (ICHS): Provides mental health and suicide prevention services in multiple languages, tailored to the cultural needs of Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

o Phone: 206-788-3700

• Sea Mar Community Health Centers: Offers comprehensive mental health care, including suicide prevention and intervention, with services available in Spanish and other languages. Sea Mar operates a 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Line.

o Phone: 1-855-289-4503 (24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Line)

• El Centro de la Raza: Provides crisis intervention, including suicide prevention, within the Latino community. Their mental health services are offered in Spanish.

o Phone: 206-957-4634

• 24-Hour Crisis Line (through Crisis Connections): Offers immediate support for mental health crises, including suicide prevention, with interpreter services available. Callers can request an interpreter for assistance in their preferred language.

o Phone: 206-461-3222 or 1-866-427-4747

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Additional Resources

• Learn the 5 Action Steps for helping someone at risk of suicide:

1) Ask, 2) Be There, 3) Keep Them Safe, 4) Help Them Connect, 5) Follow Up.

• Educate yourself with the facts about suicide.

• Review data and statistics about suicide.

• For survivors of suicide loss, find support through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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Web Resources

• Suicide Prevention and Intervention Resources: Washington State EAP.

• For Parents/Caregivers: Helping Your Teen/Young Adult.

• For Educators: Helping Your Students.

• Helping a Co-Worker: Concerned About a Co-Worker?.

• Support for LGBTQ+ Youth: The Trevor Project, It Gets Better.

• Mental Health Screening: Take a Mental Health Test.

• Online Training: Free Brief Online Training for those with suicidal thoughts, substance or mental health problems, or their loved ones.

• Safe Messaging About Suicide: Learn the importance of safe messaging to prevent harm.

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Live Webinars

• Understanding Suicide: Tuesday, September 10, 10:00 am – 11:00 am PT (Register here).

• LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Risk Reduction - Lab #1: Thursday, September 12, 10:00 am-12noon PT (Register here).

• Heroes of Hope: Championing Suicide Prevention Together: Friday, September 13, 8:00 am – 11:30 am PT (Register here).

• LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Risk Reduction - Lab #2: Thursday, September 19, 10:00 am-12noon PT (Register here).

• LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Risk Reduction - Lab #3: Thursday, September 26, 10:00 am-12noon PT (Register here).

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Encouragement and Awareness

• Remember, taking care of your own mental health is crucial, especially when supporting someone in crisis. Simple self-care practices can prevent burnout and build resilience.

• Spread awareness for Suicide Prevention Month by sharing resources on social media, wearing suicide prevention ribbons, or attending local events.

• Consider volunteering with crisis helplines, mental health organizations, or community outreach programs to contribute to suicide prevention efforts.

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