Suicide Prevention

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The annual campaign focuses attention on a serious public health problem, which affects people of all ages. In fact, nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds. In America alone, 123 people die by their own hands each day, bringing the total number of suicidal deaths in the United States to nearly 45,000 every year. Tragically, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America among people aged 10-34. Globally, suicide is the 2ndmost frequent cause of death among people aged 15-24 years. 

​Deaths from suicide are only part of the problem. More than 1.3 million adults self-reported that they attempted to commit suicide. And 10 million adults admit they have had serious thoughts about suicide. On average, one out of every four suicide attempts “succeed.” But tragically, many who attempt but fail at self-inflicted death the first time die on their second attempt. Why do so many people kill themselves? Suicide is rarely caused by a single factor. Although suicide prevention efforts focus on identifying and providing treatment for people who have associated mental health conditions, there are plenty of additional opportunities for prevention.

CDC researchers discovered that more than half of the people who died by suicide did not have a known, diagnosed mental health condition at the time of their death. Relationship problems or loss, substance abuse; physical health problems; and job, money, legal or housing stress often contributed to the risk for suicide. At MFI, we strive to provide whole-person care. This means that our treatment approach helps address every challenge our clients encounter in everyday lives, not just the struggles connected to addiction. ​

People typically exhibit warning signs prior to attempting suicide. These include:

• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness
• Feeling they are a burden to others
• Increasing alcohol and/or drug use
• Looking for ways to commit suicide
• Saying they feel trapped or are in unbearable pain
• Showing rage or talking about expressing revenge
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Talking about the desire to die
• Threatening to self-harm
• Withdrawing from friends and family 

​If you or someone you know shows signs that they may be contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Or, if your situation is less emergent, call MFI (866) 218-4697. Although our phone number is not a suicide hotline, our treatment center staff may be able to introduce you or someone you love to a program to help you with mental health and substance abuse-related concerns. 

​Throughout 10 facilities in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, we employ the Matrix Model, creating a personalized treatment program for each client. Various modalities can include behavior modification, 12-Step program introduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems techniques, including the family in group therapy. Treatment options include outpatient and inpatient detox, medication management (if appropriate), group therapy, individual therapy, relapse prevention education, and ongoing support after treatment. To find out more, call (866) 218-4697, or for non-admission related information, contact us at (951) 683-6596.