EDITORIAL: There's no shame in asking for help
Dec. 20—Simply put, the holidays can be stressful for many people. And if you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of despair or grief, that stress can be magnified — and too often to the point of a suicidal crisis.
First, know this: There is no shame in those feelings. Feeling lonely, overwhelmed, afraid, anxious or lost are certainly unwelcome emotions, but they are normal and there's no shame in feeling this way.
Second, know that there are resources available to help those in crisis. Many are found online at 988helpline.org/holidays/, but even simpler is calling 988. That three-digit number is private and available 24/7, and on every call a trained counselor is waiting on the other end to help.
Other resources are even closer to home. Connecting and communicating with friends, family or a mental health professional can help with the stress that can come not only during any day of the year, but especially so during the holidays.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, 49,449 people died by suicide in 2022 — the largest number recorded in our nation's history.
Alabama and other states encourage the continuance of a "No Shame" suicide prevention campaign to decrease the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal thoughts or other mental health crises.
For more information about crisis care in Alabama, visit mh.alabama.gov/crisis-centers/, and for mental health providers in your area, visit mh.alabama.gov/providers-search/. Learn more about Suicide Prevention partners in Alabama at sprc.org/state/alabama/ and afsp.org/chapter/alabama.
