JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – The stigma surrounding mental health has been negative for generations, but public calls for change are beginning to shift perceptions.
The importance of mental health cannot be overstated.
“A crisis is relative. A crisis for me versus a crisis for you could be two different things, but a crisis in general is a time of extreme stress or danger,” said Wesley Holt, executive director of We Are The 22.
Mental health matters, whether it’s for veterans, homeless individuals, or your everyday person.
“The biggest advice I could give to someone asked by someone in crisis to listen is to do just that. Listen,” Holt emphasized. “Don’t be judgmental. When you ask the hard questions, ask them with empathy. It really comes down to the old golden rule: ‘Treat people how you would want to be treated.’”
Data from the CDC indicates that from 2017 to 2022, Arkansas saw little change in suicide rates, fluctuating between 18 and 20 deaths per 100,000 people.
However, certain resources can significantly help reduce these numbers.
“The main thing, if you have someone in a crisis situation, is to call 988,” Holt advised. “988 can coordinate with 911 and provide numerous resources before law enforcement or paramedics are involved.”
Resources like St. Bernard’s, Arisa Health, and We Are The 22 for veterans can be crucial. We Are The 22 dispatches two Crisis Intervention-trained veterans to assist in person. If you need to call 911, ask for a Crisis Intervention Team member to ensure trained personnel respond.
Gary Taber, Vice President of Clinical Services at Arisa Health, highlighted the importance of these trained professionals. “Putting people out there into the community with officers that understand the complexity of mental health is vital. It’s crucial for our law enforcement to have that support.”
Every mental health incident is a tragedy.
“It’s an important reminder that mental health is a reality of society today. People are going through a lot. We don’t always know what those triggers to stress are for individuals,” Taber said.
He urged the community to reach out to family and friends. “Anybody can deal with situations differently, depending on the event. Each of us could have a car accident the exact same way, and one person may respond well while another may experience depression, anxiety, and hypervigilance. These symptoms are normal for someone dealing with traumatic stress.”
The key takeaway is that everyone handles things differently. Don’t fear judgment or ridicule; instead, seek help.
“It’s okay to not be okay. And we don’t care what that ‘not okay’ is about. Reach out for help,” Holt encouraged.
Your mental health is vital. If you or someone you know needs counseling or assistance, do not hesitate to reach out for support.
Below is a list of resources that could be helpful in taking care of your mental health.
Resources:
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- It provides Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as options for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It is only available in the United States. A 24-hour online chat service is also available.
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988.
- The Lifeline’s previous number, 1–800–273–8255, can still be dialed at any time.
211 is for people in crisis who need emergency referrals to social and community services but are not experiencing an emergency.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24-hour, toll-free hotline that provides phone, webchat, and text options available to military veterans and their families.
- It provides options for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
- The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached at 988 or 1–800–273–8255, followed by Pressing 1.
- The hotline can also be reached by texting to 838255. It can additionally be reached by online chat on the Veterans Crisis Line website.
The Crisis Text Line is a 24/7, nationwide crisis-intervention text message hotline.
- The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741–741.
Samaritans USA is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide throughout the United States.
The Youthline is a free teen-to-teen crisis support and helpline run by a nonprofit. Between the hours of 4 -10 pm PST daily, teens are available for peer support via phone and text. Otherwise, the line is staffed by adult crisis responders 24/7.
- CALL (24/7): 877-968-8491
- TEXT (4–10 pm PST): ‘teen2teen’ to 839863
- CHAT (4–10 pm PST)
We Are The 22 is an organization focused on direct veteran suicide prevention.
- For expedited support, you can reach our Response Coordinator on duty at 1-855-932-7384.
Arisa Health 24/7 Crisis Line: 800-356-3035
For other crisis hotlines, click here.
To report a typo or correction, please click here.
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