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Mental Health America
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2400 Reading Road | Suite 412 | Cincinnati, OH 45202 | 513.721.2910 | 513.287.8544 fax | Email Us    Print Version Increase Font Size Decrease Text Size

 

Suicide Prevention

Who is at Risk? | Warning Signs | Getting Help | National Resources | Local Resources

The MHA's "5 Words to LIVE By" program uses a simple theme of 5 words to help people prevent tragic death. The theme is quick to jog your memory and easy to put to work.

WATCH for signs/symptoms of depression/sudden behavior changes
LISTEN for direct/indirect statements about death.
THINK clearly and calmly about what to do next
ACT on these risk factors/warning signs
CALL suicide crisis hotline or tell a trusted adult who can help.

In the United States of America, nearly 33,000 people die by their own hands each year. More people die from suicide than they do from homicide. Preventing such tragic death and violent behavior makes a difference in the lives of everyone. Forming nurturing relationships where people are informed of what to look for, how to react, and how to get help, strengthens communities and prevents unneeded death.

Services available through the "5 Words to LIVE By" program include:

 

  • General Suicide Education: educational component for middle and high school students that contains facts about suicide, possible warning signs for mental health problems, and provides information on how to seek help for themselves or others.
  • General Mental Health Education: educational component for students grades K-5 promoting positive mental health (including such topics as identifying/expressing feelings, acceptance & tolerance of others, problem solving, self-esteem, handling stress, bullying prevention, and where to go for help)
  • Community and School Gatekeeper training: educational component for those working closely with the youth to help them identify youth at risk and refer youth for appropriate help. (This program is also available to various community groups.)
  • Partnership with Suicide Prevention Coalitions:  part of various suicide prevention coalition efforts in southwest Ohio, including Hamilton County, Clermont County, and the Tri-State Coalition.  Previous efforts of the coalitons include Candlelight Vigils and Out of the Darkness walks (in collaboration with American Foudation for Suicide Prevention) in both Hamilton and Clermont counties, a Suicide Prevention Symposium, and a Clermont County Crisis Hotline.  Future projects include a Youth Summit and follow-up Town Meeting in Clermont County.   
  • Parent Support and Education: provides parents with the opportunity for education regarding signs to look for and support services 
  • Partnership for Mental Health College Collaborative: group of mental health professionals from colleges and agencies in the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Ky. area working collaboratively to address suicide among college students.  The partnership has provided QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings throughout the greater Cincinnati area and helped start Active Minds (student run organization) on local college campuses.   
  • Intervention after a Suicide or Tragedy: crisis response helps youth effectively cope with their grief. This is provided in conjunction with the Clermont County Crisis Response team.
  • Survivors after Suicide Support Group: monthly support group for adults who have lost loved ones to suicide.  Also other survivor efforts throughout the year, including National Survivors' Day (with AFSP) on November 21, 2009.

"5 Words to LIVE By" received funding from the United Way & Community Chest, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Spaulding Foundation, Government Grants and private donations. For more information about "5 Words to LIVE By", contact vmdennis@mhaswoh.org or call 513-721-2910, ext. 15.

 

In the News

Genetic mutations associated with suicide risk among people with depression. Read article in Science Daily