September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org or dial 988 to be connected to a trained mental health counselor. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Charlotte for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
Publishers: Need ideas for places to check for crisis and suicide prevention help in your town? Try:
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has school-based mental health services in several of their schools. You can find the full list at this link. This program allows students to receive mental health services during the school day at their school. These services are provided by community mental health partners who will have more extensive training than the school-based counselors. You can learn more about this program at this link.
- NAMI Charlotte: Mobile Crisis line 1-704-566-3410. NAMI provides support to people struggling with mental health issues as well as their families. In addition, NAMI helps provide community education, advocates for equal treatment in healthcare and the workplace for people with mental illnesses and so much more. You can learn more about the services that NAMI Charlotte offers as well as get involved by visiting their website.
- Atrium Health Behavioral Health: This 24-hour facility is the only psychiatric mental emergency room in our area. This facility provides services for inpatient and outpatient needs.
501 Billingsley Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: 704-444-2400 - Teen Health Connection: This facility is dedicated to local teen's mental and physical health. Teen Health Connection provides behavioral and healthcare services. Teen Health Connection has a Center for Disordered Eating, a Center for Gender Health as well as Teens and Tots for teen parents. Teen Health Connection has a partnership with Atrium Health as well.
Additional Local Resources:
- Charlotte Community Health Clinic
- Mental Health America of the Central Carolinas
- Alexander Youth Network
- Anderson Counseling and Consulting
- Atrium Health
- Cano Family Services
- Carolina’s Creative Counseling
- Family First Community Services
- Thompson Child and Family Focus
- Turning Point Family Services
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
