Provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
While the presence of a mental health condition may contribute to increased suicide risk, it is important to note that the majority of people who live with mental health conditions will not die by suicide.
Managing mental health
Many people learn to manage their mental health conditions just as they would other health conditions. Becoming knowledgeable about your own, or a loved one’s, mental health condition, and participating in effective treatment for it, is an important way to manage it, and live more fully at home, and in relationships and at work.
If you or someone you love struggles with a mental health condition, early detection and adequate treatment are key to reducing suicide risk. Therapy, medication, exercise, getting solid sleep, making strategic lifestyle changes, staying connected to others and taking care of overall health are all ways we can take care of our mental health. It is important to follow the recommendations of your treatment provider and to communicate with them about any changes in a timely way, as part of your overall treatment plan.
It is also important to be vigilant about suicide risk during certain times, such as when someone is experiencing a worsening of their mental health symptoms, making changes in their treatment (such as a change in medication or following a hospitalization), or when life stressors, losses, or life transitions are happening.
Find a mental health professional
Who is a mental health professional?
A mental health professional is someone who can help people get relief from mental health conditions, and find ways to improve mental wellness and resiliency. They may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychiatric nurse, or counselor with mental health training. You may find these professionals in emergency departments, hospitals, clinics, schools, community and religious centers, and in private practices.
How can a mental health professional help?
Click the PDF below for the full resource from afsp.org