“Mental health conditions are all around us and among us. By knowing more about them, we can encourage each other to speak up and build better lives” (National Alliance on Mental Illness). One in five teens lives with a mental health condition, less than half of youth with mental health conditions receive treatment, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults. Henrico County Public Library is joining with Henrico Mental Health and numerous other organizations this September to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month.
Statistics do not capture the pain and isolation experienced by those living with mental health conditions. If you, a family member, friend, or classmate are in need of support, please speak out. You are not alone. One Henrico teen said this about his struggle to get help, after he tried to commit suicide:
“It would only matter to me, because only I felt this way. I didn’t know that other people felt the same way. Not everything can be done by yourself. You can have help if you need it.” (source: NBC)
In an emergency, call the Henrico County Mental Health + Substance Abuse Crisis Line at (804) 727-8484. Or, text HOME to 741741 to chat with a trained Crisis Counselor about any type of crisis.