RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – September is Suicide Prevention and Recovery Awareness Month. Dr. Kay Kelts with Black Hills Medical Group has some thoughts on why it’s so important in this week’s edition of HealthWatch.
“Hey guys, it’s September and it’s National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month. A little bit heavier topic but something I think is important for all of us to know about and be aware of because most of us have encountered someone in our life who has had mental health struggles or even substance abuse issues and this is not talked about enough. One of the biggest things is the hardest step to take is actually admitting that you have an issue and you need help. So once you have come up with that step, the rest, honestly, is not nearly as bad. It’s just getting yourself there. So if you’re to that point where you know you need help, know that help is there, you are not alone. A lot of times, the biggest thing is go to someone you trust, whoever that is. It could be a family friend, that can be family, that can be your doctor, that can be a psychiatrist, a counselor, a crisis help line. Most of these things are a multi-modality treatment, meaning it’s not just one thing. We’re not just talking about meds, we’re not just talking about counseling, whatever. Usually multiple things, being aware that that’s going to happen, that is the process, that it’s hard and it’s okay. It’s okay to have that need, it’s okay to ask for help. The other things is if you;’re in a crisis where you’re like, oh my god, I’m feeling horrible, I’m having intrusive thoughts, I’m having suicidal thoughts, call the crisis line. We all have a crisis line. There’s one available 24/7 where you can talk with someone. Don’t be afraid to do that. You can also walk into the ER or other places for help in those situations so that nothing bad happens. Lastly, like I said, it’s also National Recovery Month. So it’s all of those people who have had substance use orders, who are either in recovery or have been in recovery, congratulations and keep up the good work. It is not an easy thing, it is work every day and you are doing the thing and it is amazing. Be encouraging, be proud of yourself. So, everyone please be loving and caring, help those around you. If you see someone struggling for whatever reason, don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand or just be someone to be there to let them know it’s okay to need help. Thanks guys. I’m Dr. Kay Kelts with Black Hills Medical Group here with HealthWatch.”
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