Amid September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we at MCPO would like to take the opportunity today to offer a simple reminder to everyone reading this: however daunting the challenges you may be facing seem, you don’t have to face them alone. Someone is always available to help.

If you feel as though you’re struggling, please call the NJ Hopeline, available 24/7 at 1-855-654-6735 — or text NJ to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support. Because every life has inherent worth, and none should ever be lost to despair.

For more information about suicide prevention and the various services the New Jersey Department of Health offers in support of those in crisis, including an online chat feature, go to https://www.nj.gov/health/suicide/helpme.shtml

And if you’re concerned about a family member or loved one, educate yourself about what to do. Learn the warning signs. Know the risk factors. And remember that there are many, many avenues of effective, evidence-based intervention. For a fact sheet providing a comprehensive overview, as well as links to federal resources, go to this National Institute of Mental Health web page:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

Mental health awareness is an integral part of MCPO’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training, with our fourth weeklong class on the topic scheduled to take place next month. About half of the law-enforcement agencies in the county have had at least one sworn officer participate in our CIT sessions to date; they provide an in-depth look at mental illness, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and their implications for a law-enforcement response during a crisis, with a strong emphasis on de-escalation.


Media and graphic courtesy MCPO