Chelsea Borruano Chelsea Borruano

SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis and change the conversation around suicide.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN A crisis, CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE AT 9-8-8 or contact emergency services.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis and change the conversation around suicide.

Did you know?

📱Studies have shown that suicide risk decreases when people call the national suicide hotline.

🤝Talking about suicide does not lead to suicide. In fact, asking someone if they are having suicidal
thoughts can be the first step to saving their life and the best tool for prevention.

1. Ask.
2. Keep them safe.
3. Be there.
4. Help them connect to help.
5. Follow up.

​Know the Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.

  • Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders

  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders

  • Hopelessness

  • Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

  • History of trauma or abuse

  • Major physical illnesses

  • Previous suicide attempt(s)

  • Family history of suicide

  • Job or financial loss

  • Loss of relationship(s)

  • Easy access to lethal means

  • Local clusters of suicide

  • Lack of social support and sense of isolation

  • Stigma associated with asking for help

  • Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

  • Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

  • Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)


Know the Warning Signs
Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

  • Sleeping too little or too much

  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves

  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

  • Extreme mood swings​

How to Create a Suicide Safety Plan

Awareness is just one step in suicide prevention. Asking if someone has thought about suicide and taking action can be vital in saving a life. Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self harm does not mean you are broken or crazy, it just means that you can no longer do this alone and you absolutely don’t have to. Hope and help is out there.

Click here to learn more about what a suicide safety plan is and how you can implement one for yourself or your loved ones.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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RESOURCES FOR POC

According to our strategic plan, the You Aren’t Alone Alone Project aims to target resources to people from all backgrounds experiencing issues with mental health or who are at risk of developing mental illness. We aim to not only support individuals, but communities; and to challenge the economical and societal norms in order to make mental health and wellness for everyone. In year one, we planned to expand programming and resources as needs were assessed/identified. As 2020 is not what any of us expected, we've been doing just that. We shifted our messaging for Covid and now we believe it's time to shift to supporting the black community's safety and mental well-being.

BLACK LIVES MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

FIND A BLACK COUNSELOR IN BR

INCLUSIVE THERAPISTS

THERAPYFORBLACKMEN.ORG

THERAPYFORBLACKGIRLS.COM



According to our strategic plan, the You Aren’t Alone Alone Project aims to target resources to people from all backgrounds experiencing issues with mental health or who are at risk of developing mental illness. We aim to not only support individuals, but communities; and to challenge the economical and societal norms in order to make mental health and wellness for everyone. In year one, we planned to expand programming and resources as needs were assessed/identified. As 2020 is not what any of us expected, we've been doing just that. We shifted our messaging for Covid and now we believe it's time to shift to supporting the black community's safety and mental well-being.

Racism is the oppression that is killing the Black community mentally and physically by Lara Ashley
"An organization called the ADAA has done studies on how racism affects mental health. In ADAA’s racism studies, they have found that Black people suffer from anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and trauma distress from seeing and experiencing racism. Because of this racial trauma, people of the Black community struggle with fear, hypervigilance, confusion, shame, or guilt following the experience, blaming themselves for the person projecting racism towards them."

When We Normalize Racism And Bigotry, We Do Violence To Our Mental Health
“This is more than we should ask people to shoulder. We all mourn the death of George Floyd and feel rage against the circumstances that led to it. But it is a mistake to think that we all experience the reality of his death in the same way. And for too many of our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, and sons and daughters, that mistake has proven to be a fatal one. It is no surprise that people are reacting as they are to this event. And we should not have to say that when we condone and normalize racism and bigotry, we do violence to our mental health.” read more from IDONTMIND.COM

Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week by Rachel Miller
If images of Black suffering have left you feeling sad and angry and overwhelmed, here are some things you might do to get a tiny bit of relief.

61 BIPOC ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES BY THE SUMMIT WELLNESS GROUP
People who identify as two or more races are more likely to report mental illness than any other racial or ethnic group. This is because, along with the internal struggles and trauma that many people face, BIPOC must also withstand racial injustices that intersect every facet of their lives. These hardships that fall on entire communities have detrimental effects on mental health and contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and stress.

44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country
Because we need and deserve support. By Zahra Barnes

Referral Networks + Resources from TWLOHA
Therapy For Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. They also offer a referral tool to find a therapist in your local community.

Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist. We center the needs of marginalized populations, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent folx, and people with disabilities.

Loveland Foundation
Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy.

Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) Virtual Therapist Network
BEAM is now offering an online directory of licensed Black therapists who are certified to provide telemental health services.

Therapy for Black Men
Therapy For Black Men is a directory to help men of color in their search for a therapist. Using the directory, men can search by therapist location and specialization. Searching by location, the results will include the therapists near you and will display their credentials, location, and the issues they treat.

Black Female Therapists
Black Female Therapists (BFT) is a lifestyle and empowerment platform for women of color. This platform was created to promote, inspire, and elevate other black female therapists and create a safe space for black mental health. Not only is it a place to connect but also a safe place for black women to discuss their mental health and wellness journey and learn new strategies to live a better life.

Association of Black Psychologists
This listing comprises Psychologists who are members of The Association of Black Psychologists who own and operate their own private practice business or are employed as therapists, and have elected to participate in this directory.

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to individuals, couples, children, and families in need. When using the Find a Therapist tool, you can find Black therapists by updating the Ethnic Speciality filter. Open Path therapists provide affordable, in-office and online psychotherapy sessions between $30 and $60.

Ayana Therapy
The Ayana Therapy app strives to address the strong lack of engagement between minorities and the mental health care industry which arises as a result of cost, stigma, and lack of cultural competency. We help match users with licensed professionals that share their unique traits, values, and sensibilities.

Melanin & Mental Health
Melanin & Mental Health was born out of a desire to connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. They are committed to promoting the growth and healing of our communities through our website, online directory, and monthly events.

Black Therapists Rock
Black Therapists Rock’s mission is to increase awareness of social and psychological issues impacting vulnerable communities and reduce stigma related to mental health. They offer a directory to find Black therapists and mental health providers.

Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective
BEAM is a training, movement building and grant making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.

Psychology Today
If you need help finding an African American therapist, Psychology Today offers a search tool matched on zip code or city.

Additional Resources
Ethel’s Club
Digital membership club focused empowering people of color in wellness, culture, and creativity.

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
The vision is to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in the African American community. Through their partnerships, the foundation will ensure cultural competency in caring for African Americans who struggle with mental illness by providing scholarships to African-American students who seek a career in the mental health field; offer mental health services and programs to young people in urban schools; and combat recidivism within the prison system.

Sad Girls Club
An online platform and in real life community created to bring girls together who are battling mental illnesses. There are three goals that stand at the forefront of their work—Remove the negative stigma integrated in mental health conversations. Provide mental health services to girls who do not have access to therapy and treatment. Create in real-life safe spaces that build a community for young women to know—they are not alone.

Thank You For Breathing
Bridging the gap between personal + community responsibility: comment section to IRL. The Breathing Space is now home to an audience made up of individuals, like-minded and un-like minded, invested in each other’s lived experiences, partaking in candid discourse; safely, openly, and freely.

American Counseling Association Mental Health Resources Against Racism

STATEMENTS


ACADEMIC JOURNAL RESEARCH

  • Explore the meaning of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies in the context of Black Lives Matter, addressing violence against Blacks by law enforcement, Black teens’ perceptions of their own racial identity, and the negative effects of media stereotyping of individuals who are economically disadvantaged.

  • Brooks, M., & Phipps, G. (Eds.). (2019). Counseling African American clients in the era of Black Lives Matter, police brutality, and media stereotypes [Special issue]. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 47(3).

  • The Journal of Counseling & Development investigates the extent to which perceived everyday discrimination (PED) is associated with depressive symptoms and suggests treatment strategies for individuals who experience PED.

  • Hayes, L., Pössel, P., & Roane, S. J. (2019). Perceived everyday discrimination and depressive symptoms: Does cognitive style mediate? Journal of Counseling & Development, 97(4), 427–436.

  • https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12291

  • Investigation of 106 counselors’ experiences with identifying and treating race‐based trauma among individuals of color and the relationship between training and treatment. Findings indicate the disparities between health care and the provision of related services.

  • Hemmings, C., & Evans, A. M. (2018). Identifying and treating race‐based trauma in counseling. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 46(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmcd.12090

  • Addressing forms of stress associated with racial discrimination and explore racism from a biopsychosocial model.

  • Lau, M. Y., & Jenkins, K. (Eds.). (2020). [Collection of articles on stress associated with racism and racial discrimination]. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 48(2).

  • Examination of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies, including the history of the multicultural and social justice counseling competency movement, counselors of color’s experiences of microaggressions in counseling, multicultural competence in counselor education, and the impact of multicultural counseling competence and social justice counseling research on the counseling field.

  • Singh, A. A., & Nassar, S. C. (Eds.). (2020). Integrating the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies into practice, research, and advocacy [Special issue]. Journal of Counseling & Development, 98(3). Available online June 15, 2020.​


COUNSELOR EDUCATION


LEARN HOW TO BE AN ANTI-RACIST
Comprehensive Anti-Racism Resources

Books
NOTE: Amazon is out of stock of many of these – consider ordering online from from Black-owned bookstores.

Articles


​We want you to know we stand with you. We love you. And you are not alone.

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LOCAL RESOURCES (LOUISIANA)

Treatment + Support
Louisiana 211 – 2-1-1 is a free referral and information helpline that connects people to a wide range of health and human services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact 2-1-1 in any state, including Louisiana, simply dial the numbers 2-1-1 from any phone.

Treatment

Louisiana 211 – 2-1-1 is a free referral and information helpline that connects people to a wide range of health and human services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact 2-1-1 in any state, including Louisiana, simply dial the numbers 2-1-1 from any phone.

CRISIS LINE 9-8-8
NAMI HELPLINE 800-950-6264
OR TEXT NAMI TO 741741

Search the HealthyBR Behavioral Health Resource Database
Bridge Center for Hope
Reilly Counseling Center
Oceans Behavioral Hospital
Jefferson Oaks Behavioral Health
Journey to Insight
Apollo Behavioral Health
Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital
Genesis​ Behavioral Health Services
​Our Lady of the Lake
Baton Rouge General
Capital Area Human Services
Sanabit Behavioral Health
Peak Behavioral Health
All Out Community Care Services
National Child & Family Services
LSU Student Health Center
Heal Your Life Louisiana | Red Stick CARES
Refinery Counseling Center
AA
Balm of Gilead Christian Counseling Center

​Louisiana Department of Health Behavioral Health Directory
LDH Community Mental Health Centers
Therapists in Louisiana
Therapists in Baton Rouge
Psychiatrists in Baton Rouge
Support Groups in Baton Rouge
​Treatment Centers in Baton Rouge
Mental Health Match

Information + Advocacy + Support

NAMI Louisiana, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization made up of family members, peers, behavioral health professionals, and friends with the purpose of supporting and advocating at the local, state, and national levels the promotion of the quality of care, rights and interests of those affected by mental illness.

NAMI Baton Rouge is dedicated to helping families reclaim a future for themselves and for their loved ones affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy, and legislation.

The LDH Office of Behavioral Health provides statewide authority and accountability for all behavioral healthcare, including mental health treatment services, for Louisiana citizens.

The Louisiana Mental Health Association (LAMHA) specifically serves individuals who have been treated for any mental or emotional disorder and/or substance abuse, with a special focus on the seriously and chronically mentally ill adult population.

The Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS) is an independent state agency which provides free legal services under Louisiana’s Behavioral Health Law for patients who are hospitalized due to mental illness or substance abuse. MHAS also protects patients’ rights and provides information on behavioral health law to consumers, hospitals, and the public.

Capital Area Human Services (CAHS) aims to deliver caring and responsive behavioral health services, leading to a better tomorrow.

HealthyBR strives to create a healthier Baton Rouge for all.

General Information & Resources

Click here to learn more about mental illness.
​Click here to take an online mental health screening to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Click here to download NAMI's new crisis guide, “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency.”
​
NAMI Louisiana ​Resources by Category
Adults
Addiction
Advocacy & Legal
Caregiver & Family Support
Children & Adolescent
Crisis
Developmental Disability
Employment
Financial
Home Health
Housing
Prevention
Re-entry
Teens

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COVID-19 SUPPORT

Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources

Helping Kids Cope with COVID-19
LSU Psychology Professor offers guidance for parents and caregivers

MHA Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources

NAMI Offers These Tips For People With Mental Illness:

  1. For anyone who is unsure about attending therapy sessions outside the home, especially those who the CDC has described as being at higher risk, you can ask your health care provider about tele-therapy or mental health services online.

  2. For anyone who is worried about access to prescribed medications, you can ask your health care provider about getting 90-day supplies vs. a 60 or 30-day supply. If this is not possible, we encourage you to refill your medications as soon as they are allowed.
    Note: If healthcare providers deny/decline making accommodations, challenge the decisions at least three times. Decision-makers on making health plan adjustments may change if/as conditions worsen.

  3. Listen to and follow your local public health care provider expectations.

  4. Provide self-care, especially if in the higher risk population as defined by the CDC. Pay attention to emerging symptoms. Reach out to family and friends.

The NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide may be helpful if you have additional questions or concerns.
NAMI also strongly encourages people to not only check the CDC website daily for updates, but also to listen for updates from local news and public health care providers.

Tips on Caring for yourself + others from TWLOHA
It’s important to practice self-care and things that support emotional and mental health during stressful times. Here are some suggestions:

  • Practice mindfulness using meditation apps like Calm and Headspace. Many offer free trials or discounts to start.

  • Explore virtual or remote counseling options such as Talkspace.

  • Reach out to those you love by calling or texting. Ask for and offer reassurance as best you can.

  • Follow guidelines suggested by trustworthy sources. World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are both trusted and reliable.

  • Schedule regular breaks from the news and social media by stepping outside and engaging in self-care activities: watch a favorite movie, read a book, listen to podcasts, etc.

  • Look to the future with hope by holding on to the things that bring you joy.

Stress and Coping from the CDC
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.
People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include

  • Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19

  • Children and teens

  • People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders

  • People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include

  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

  • Worsening of chronic health problems

  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Things you can do to support yourself

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.

  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

Reduce stress in yourself and others
Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful.
When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them.
Learn more about taking care of your emotional health.

For parents
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include

  • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children

  • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)

  • Excessive worry or sadness

  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits

  • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens

  • Poor school performance or avoiding school

  • Difficulty with attention and concentration

  • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past

  • Unexplained headaches or body pain

  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child

  • Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.

  • Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.

  • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.

  • Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.

  • Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more about helping children cope.

For responders
Responding to COVID-19 can take an emotional toll on you. There are things you can do to reduce secondary traumatic stress (STS) reactions:

  • Acknowledge that STS can impact anyone helping families after a traumatic event.

  • Learn the symptoms including physical (fatigue, illness) and mental (fear, withdrawal, guilt).

  • Allow time for you and your family to recover from responding to the pandemic.

  • Create a menu of personal self-care activities that you enjoy, such as spending time with friends and family, exercising, or reading a book.

  • Take a break from media coverage of COVID-19.

  • Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or concerned that COVID-19 is affecting your ability to care for your family and patients as you did before the outbreak.

Learn more tips for taking care of yourself during emergency response.

For people who have been released from quarantine
Being separated from others if a healthcare provider thinks you may have been exposed to COVID-19 can be stressful, even if you do not get sick. Everyone feels differently after coming out of quarantine. Some feelings include :

  • Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine

  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones

  • Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of COVID-19

  • Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to be contagious

  • Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine

  • Other emotional or mental health changes

Children may also feel upset or have other strong emotions if they, or someone they know, has been released from quarantine. You can help your child cope.

Additional Resources
For Everyone

For Communities

For Families and Children

For First Responders

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