Suicide Prevention
It’s okay to talk about suicide. Talk about it with your children or with adult friends. You’re not giving them ideas, you’re giving them permission to open up and talk about the risks of suicide. It’s vital to ask questions, to talk.
The number of suicide deaths in the state has been increasing over the past two decades. Many factors can combine to influence a person to attempt suicide, including mental disorders, traumatic stress, substance abuse, impulsivity, chronic pain, loss or other treatable illnesses.
At Stormont Vail Health, we are committed to reducing the stigma of suicide and mental illness and raising awareness about the resources and information available. Our Behavioral Health team provides inpatient and outpatient treatments integrated with many of our other patient areas. We are here to take care of your physical and mental health.
Crisis Numbers
Immediate emergencies:
Call 911
Mental Health Crisis:
Call or Text 988
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call (English): 800-273-TALK (8255)
Call (Spanish): 1-888-628-9454
Text: HOME to 741741
Valeo Behavioral Health Care Crisis Hotline (Adults):
Call: (785) 234-3300
Family Services & Guidance Center’s Crisis Services (Children):
Call: (785) 232-5005
Stormont Vail Behavioral Health:
Call: (785) 270-4646
Warning Signs For Suicide
People who are contemplating suicide may have one or more warning signs before attempting suicide. Some signs include:
- Saying they want to kill themselves or want to die
- Looking for ways to kill themselves (pills, gun)
- Feeling that they are a burden to others
- Withdrawing from activities or people
- Giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends or family
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Feeling hopeless or trapped
- Feeling extreme rage or anxiety
Risk Factors For Suicide
There are many factors that contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. However, there are some common characteristics. These include:
- Depression or other mental health disorders
- Previous suicide attempt
- Substance abuse
- Family history of suicide, mental disorders or substance abuse
- Chronic pain
- Traumatic brain injury
- History of abuse or trauma
- Recent stressful life events
- Having lethal items like guns or prescription drugs in the home
Suicide Reduction Strategies
Firearms: Because they are so lethal in suicide attempts, firearms should be temporarily removed from access until the person has improved. If removal is not an option, unloaded firearms should be locked securely, with ammo locked in a separate location.
Medications: Don’t keep lethal doses on hand. Your doctor, pharmacist, or the poison control center can help you determine how much to keep on hand and the rest should be locked up. Be especially cautious with prescription painkillers.
Alcohol: Since it can increase the chances that people make unwise choices, only small amounts of alcohol should be available.
Suicide Resources
Shawnee County Suicide Prevention Coalition (Support, Education and Awareness Resources)
Kansas Suicide Prevention Headquarters
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suicide Resources
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Risks of Suicide
The Jed Foundation (for young people)
The Trevor Project (support for LGBTQ+ young people)
1-866-488-7386
The Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255
Survivors of Suicide Booklet (Support groups and mental health resources)
Depression
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Mental Health Assistance
As we continue to work through these difficult times, it’s vital we focus on not just keeping ourselves physically healthy, but mentally as well. Here are some Stormont Vail recommended mental health assistance programs. Stormont Vail Behavioral Health Stormont Vail Behavioral Health offers both inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults needing emotional…
Meet the Team
Our Behavioral Health Care Location
Stormont Vail Health Manhattan Campus
1325 Research Park DriveManhattan, KS 66502