LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Crisis Text Line

  • In Crisis?

    In Crisis?

    Call 911 if you are facing a dangerous situation or thinking about hurting yourself

    These resources are suggested by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Ohio, a grassroots education, support and advocacy organization.

    NAMI offers educational programs, support groups, and an information and referral phone line. They work together with their national organization (NAMI) and their state affiliate (NAMI Ohio) to advocate for people living with mental illness and their families.

    NAMI Southwest Ohio is committed to the following values:

    1. Recovery: Recovery is possible with comprehensive treatment. Mental illness, like most other illnesses, comprises biological, psychological, and social factors.
    2. Access to Treatment: All individuals should have access to treatment appropriate to their needs.
    3. Needs Adequately Addressed: The needs of all those affected by mental illness, including people living with mental illness, family members, friends and others should be adequately addressed.
    4. No Guilt, Shame, Blame or Stigma: There should be no stigma associated with mental illness.
    5. Collaboration: Collaboration within the mental health community is vital to effective treatment and recovery.
    6. Excellence: All NAMI’s support, education and advocacy programs should be conducted with the highest possible standards.
    7. Inclusion: All segments of the community should be included as we seek to be the voice for mental health in Southwest Ohio.
    8. Respect: All individuals should be treated with respect in every situation.
    9. Openness and Responsiveness to Change: NAMI will be quick to adapt to positive research, medications and treatment, and will be willing to consider changes that will improve the delivery of our mission.
    10. Fiscal Responsibility: Financial policies and decisions will be carefully weighed in order to optimize the use of resources in the most efficient and effective manner.

    Youth America Hotline

    (877) YOUTHLINE (968-8454)
    www.youthline.us

    The Youth America Hotline is a free peer-to-peer hotline network that links callers to community-based peer counseling hotlines.

    Call 911 if you are facing a dangerous situation or thinking about hurting yourself

    Crisis Text Line

    Text START to 741741

    The Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 to help you with any kind of crisis. Visit www.crisistextline.org/faq to learn more about how the Crisis Text Line works.

    CEO, Dan Gillison, talks to the NAMI community about COVID-19

    Local Resources By County

    Butler County:

    Mobile Crisis Team And Consultation

    (844) 4CRISIS (1-844-427-4747)

    24-hour Hotline: Need someone to talk to? Call the same Mobile Crisis Team phone number above. They are there to help!

    Clermont County:

    Clermont County Crisis Hotline

    (513) 528-SAVE (7283)
    www.child-focus.org

    This free and confidential hotline is available 24-7 and provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention and referral information to Clermont County youth and adults.

    Hamilton County:

    Talbert House Crisis Hotline

    (513) 281-CARE (2273) or text Talbert to 839863
    www.talberthouse.org

    This 24-hour suicide and crisis hotline offers crisis intervention and information and referral services to individuals of any age.

    Mobile Crisis Team At University Hospital

    (513) 584-5098
    www.uchealth.com

    To refer an adult or child, call (513) 584-5098. Mobile Crisis is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 am and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

    After hours, referrals can be made through Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES). Call (513) 584-8577. PES will page the Mobile Crisis Team if necessary.

    Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES)

    (513) 584-8577
    www.uchealth.com

    Provides round-the-clock care to patients in crisis with psychiatric emergencies, or for those experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal feelings.

    Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) At Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

    (513) 636-4124
    www.cincinnatichildrens.org

    Located within Cincinnati Children’s, PIRC is the admission and evaluation center for all psychiatric services.

    Hamilton County Mental Health Access Point (MHAP)

    (513) 558-8888
    www.mentalhealthaccesspoint.org

    Mental Health Access Point (MHAP) exists as the front door to the Hamilton County public mental health system. MHAP, a division of Central Clinic, provides assessment, support, and connections for children and adults residing in Hamilton County who are in need of mental health services.

    Warren County:

    Warren And Clinton Counties Crisis Hotline

    (877) 695-NEED (6333)
    www.mhrsonline.org

    This 24-hour telephone offers support to residents of Warren and Clinton Counties for emergencies related to mental health and substance abuse.

    National Resources 

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

    (800) 273-TALK (8255)
    www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you.

    • Call for yourself or someone you care about
    • Free and confidential
    • A network of over 150 centers nationwide
    • Available 24/7

    Youth America Hotline

    (877) YOUTHLINE (968-8454)
    www.youthline.us

    The Youth America Hotline is a free peer-to-peer hotline network that links callers to community-based peer counseling hotlines.

    Veterans Crisis Line

    (800) 273-8255 and Press 1
    Text 838255
    www.veteranscrisisline.net

    The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

    Suicide Prevention In College Resource Guide

    This online guide, created by Affordable Colleges Online, is designed to offer hope and help for college students who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, as well as their friends and family.

    www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-suicide-prevention

    NAMI Information Helpline

    (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
    www.nami.org

    Trained volunteers provide information, referrals, and support to all who have questions about or are affected by serious mental illness. The NAMI Information Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.

    Call 911 if you are facing a dangerous situation or thinking about hurting yourself

  • Local counselor Tonya Schaeffer: How you can help prevent suicide 

    Local counselor Tonya Schaeffer: How you can help prevent suicide 

    Tonya Schaeffer, M.Ed, LPCC-S is a co-owner of Hope Restored Counseling Services, LLC in the West Loveland Historic District at 600 West Loveland Avenue. She can be reached at 513-683-HOPE (4673)

    by Tonya Schaeffer

    According to National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United States. The effects of suicide go beyond the person who acts to take his or her life – it can have a lasting effect on family, friends and communities.

    Are Suicide Rates Increasing?

    The American College Health Association (ACHA) states that the suicide rate among young adults, ages 15-24, has tripled since the 1950’s.  On average, there are 129 suicides per day in the U.S. More males die from suicide than females (approximately four male deaths by suicide for each female death by suicide). However, females attempt suicide three times more often than males. 

    Some risk factors for suicide include: previous attempts; depression and other mental health disorders; family history of a mental health or substance disorder; family history of suicide; drug and alcohol abuse; family history of violence, including physical or sexual abuse; impulsivity and or poor self control; hopelessness; medical illness; firearms in the home; and being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as a family member, peer or media figure.

    There are many other factors that could lead to suicide, too. Even among people who have risk factors for suicide, most do not attempt it. It remains difficult to predict who will act on suicidal thoughts.

    The following behaviors may be a sign that someone is thinking about suicide: talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves, sharing feelings of hopelessness, or feeling empty or numb. Other behaviors include planning or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for ideas, stocking up on pills or newly acquiring potentially lethal items (firearms or ropes). In addition, talking about being a burden to others, giving away important possessions, displaying extreme mood swings, or suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy are telltale signs.  

    Often in my office, a parent might be confused about how serious they should take their child talking about suicide. They might think their child is just seeking attention. However, suicidal thoughts or actions are a huge red flag that the person is in distress and an alert they need help. Any warning sign or symptom of suicide should not be ignored. Threatening to die by suicide is not a typical response to stress and should not be taken lightly.  

    Addressing Some Common Myths of Suicide

    If I talk about suicide, then it might put the idea in their head.

    This is not true! Several studies examining this concern have demonstrated that asking people if they are having suicidal thoughts or behaviors does not induce or increase such thoughts or experiences. Asking someone directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself,” can be the best way to identify someone at risk for suicide. Another myth is people believing that talking to the person directly can’t make a difference to them. Talking to the person can help tremendously – it opens up a line of communication. Ignoring or minimizing a person’s feelings, thoughts or actions surrounding suicide is not advisable.  

    Most of the time a family member or friend are the first people to notice the warning signs of suicide. If someone tells you they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone, and do not promise anyone you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret. It is important to have a plan in place to make sure the individual is as safe as possible. But, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.  

    As a mental health professional, suicide is a major concern and we are quite often assessing for it. The amount of request for services related to suicide has increased dramatically over the years.

    If you have someone in your life who you believe is suicidal, don’t wait to reach out for help.  This is not something to take lightly. In fact, if they are displaying risk factors and have a plan, take them to a local emergency room to be assessed. All too often people are seeing warning signs and reach out to us for services, and due to demand we can’t accommodate them in their time of need.   

    Resources

    If you know someone in crisis, you can also call the toll-free NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the LIFELINE via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential.

    Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates, or dial 911 in an emergency.

    The Crisis Text Line is another resource available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text “HOME” to 741741.

    Tonya Schaeffer, M.Ed, LPCC-S is a co-owner of Hope Restored Counseling Services, LLC in the West Loveland Historic District at 600 West Loveland Avenue. She can be reached at 513-683-HOPE (4673)