National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Seeing the topic of suicide in the media can be difficult for some of us with mental illness and suicidal thoughts. It’s extremely hard for me to admit this, but I currently live with suicidal thoughts. My life isn’t horrible or completely unbearable; I have a spouse, two beautiful children and a great support system of friends and mental health [...]

In good conscience, I cannot idly stand by watching others continue to struggle. Depression is a deadly disorder that affects millions of teenagers and adults. According to the National Institute of Health, 2.2 million adolescents experienced a depressive episode in 2016. These episodes sometimes lead to deaths, and I want it to stop. To begin, [...]

One of the hardest part of struggling with chronic diseases is the silent anxiety and trauma associated with being unwell. For myself, I have about 20 serious illnesses – much of which congenital in nature. When I tell my story, I am met with disbelief. It can be either from family, friends, doctors, emergency medical [...]

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Director Dr. John Draper talks to Mental Health Association of New York City’s Director of Communications Frances Gonzalez about the Lifeline and depression during the holiday season. If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page. If you need support right now, call the National Suicide [...]

Well, I said that I would write an article on hospitalization, and this happens to be a perfect time to do so. On Friday Oct. 7, 2016, I was admitted to the emergency room for a mental health crisis. I had been in the midst of a severe bipolar episode; the worst I’d had in [...]

There is no right or wrong way to heal after surviving a suicide loss. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one who died by suicide, it’s important to take time to heal and process your emotions on your own terms. We’ve collected a number of resources to assist you as you begin to [...]