JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More people are reaching out for mental health help, and experts say that’s actually a good thing.
Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of LSF Health Systems, joined In Depth to talk about why more people are asking for help, how the conversation around suicide prevention is changing, and what family and friends can do if they’re worried about someone they love. She also shared details about the upcoming Zero Suicide Summit in St. Johns County.
One of the biggest takeaways from the interview is that someone thinking about suicide doesn’t always want to die.
Cauffield said many people feel like they’re in a tug-of-war. They want their emotional pain to end, but at the same time, there’s still something making them want to keep going.
That’s why therapists don’t just focus on the crisis. They also help people find the reasons they’re still here, whether that’s their children, family, future goals or something else that’s important to them.
“It’s something we can build on,” Cauffield said. “We want to help them keep moving forward.”
More people are speaking up
More people are calling crisis lines today than they were just a few years ago.
Cauffield says that’s happening for two reasons. More people feel comfortable talking about their mental health, and more people are dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges.
“We’ve worked hard to reduce the stigma,” she said. “Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
She said there’s still a big need for more mental health professionals, especially in rural communities where it can be difficult to find care.
For people who can’t easily get to an appointment, telehealth can make a big difference. It lets patients meet with a licensed terapist or counselor by phone or computer without leaving home.
Don’t compare your life to social media
The interview also touched on how social media can affect mental health after a recent incident involving internet personality Perez Hilton.
Cauffield said it’s easy to look at photos and videos online and feel like everyone else has a perfect life.
“We compare ourselves to things that aren’t real life,” she said.
That constant comparison can leave people feeling lonely, discouraged or like they aren’t good enough.
Your mental and physical health are connected
Cauffield said your mental health and physical health affect each other more than many people realize.
If you’re dealing with physical health problems, it can affect your mood. On the other hand, struggling with your mental health can also take a toll on your body.
She also talked about trauma and how it can stay with people for years if it’s never addressed.
Research has shown that difficult experiences, especially during childhood, can increase the risk of depression, addiction and other mental health conditions later in life. She also discussed the growing field of epigenetics, which looks at how the effects of trauma may even be passed down from one generation to the next.
The good news, she said, is that people can heal.
“There are strategies to work through trauma,” Cauffield said. “Help is available.”
When should someone ask for help?
Cauffield said it’s important to take suicidal thoughts seriously.
Some people may have thoughts about not wanting to be here anymore without making a plan. Others may begin thinking about how they would act on those thoughts.
She said having a plan greatly increases the risk and is a sign that someone should seek help right away. But even if someone hasn’t made a plan, they shouldn’t ignore those feelings.
“That’s the time to seek help,” Cauffield said.
She said treatment can include therapy, medication or both, depending on the person’s situation, and reminded listeners that recovery is possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. People in Northeast and North Central Florida can also call LSF Health Systems’ free, confidential Access to Care line at 1-877-229-9098, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help connect people with local mental health resources.
Zero Suicide Summit coming to St. Johns County
LSF Health Systems will host its Zero Suicide Summit on August 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort.
The event is open to more than just healthcare workers. It’s also for teachers, coaches, parents, first responders and anyone who wants to learn how to recognize warning signs and help someone who may be struggling.
This year’s keynote speaker is Sergeant Kevin Briggs, known as the “Guardian of the Golden Gate.” During his career with the California Highway Patrol, he helped more than 200 people step away from the edge of the Golden Gate Bridge and choose life instead.
More information and registration are available at zerosuicidecommunities.org.
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