D.C. officials urged residents to pay attention to their mental health and that of friends and relatives as the calls to the District’s suicide prevention lifeline have more than doubled since the pandemic began.
“If you’re not feeling well – and that doesn’t mean you have a diagnosis or it doesn’t mean you have been assigned a provider – if you’re not feeling like yourself, please reach out and ask for help, because we know we all want to be mentally strong to deal with a very tough world,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Nebah Bright, who does outreach in her community, wants other teens to know it’s OK to ask for help.
“Reach out to your peers for help, because we know firsthand what it’s like to be teenagers in this world, and it’s pretty crazy,” she said.
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Since the launch of 988 as a nationwide suicide hotline, the District has seen the number of calls dramatically increase.
In February 2020, the District’s hotline received 65 calls in that one month. Last month, that number was 184 calls for help.
Department of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Barbara J. Bazron said there does not seem to be a link between the holidays and suicide.
Changing Minds
It can affect anyone at any time. It doesn’t discriminate by age, race, gender or income. Yet many of us find that mental health and mental illness are tough topics to talk about. That’s why NBC4 is shining a light on the subject by providing education, information and hope.
“All of the data that has been collected that suicide does not go up during the holiday season,” she said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
