Crisis hotline

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Deputy Director and Hope Speaks Niagara Community Coalition Chair, Merla Gibbons Doxey, announced the launch of the You Matter Coffee Sleeve Campaign as one of several September Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month activities organized by the department in collaboration with Hope Speaks Niagara.

This is the fourth year of partnering with local coffee shops, stops, schools, and area businesses to distribute coffee sleeves with their hot beverages featuring Niagara County 24-Hour Crisis Line, 716-285-3515, National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and Message You Matter.

QR code directing the community to the Well Niagara app's corresponding web page to learn how to download the app or to utilize the site to find valuable information on local supports and resources.

In everyday places, businesses and community partners can make a powerful impact by meeting people where they are, said Laura Kellerman, NCDMH Director.

Yes.

The Beyond Blue helpline, there's Suicide Helpline, and there's also another...

Beyond Blue have an online one so that people can...

Type in anonymously something.

It's a story of a young woman who was really struggling in her life and noticing that her thoughts were becoming darker and darker and with that some suicide ideation.

And in a moment of crisis, she decided to call the suicide hotline.

This was like 2.30 in the morning.

And so she called, the phone rang for a pretty long time, and then someone picked up, a man picked up, and she said, I really need to talk to someone.

And finally, toward the end of the call, she said, I'm just grateful beyond words for the time that you took with me here, and I'd like to make a donation.

Can you tell me how I do that? And then he said, donation? I don't know what you mean by donation.

She said, well, I'd like to make a donation to the Suicide Hotline.

Your time and your care has been amazing.

And if anyone listening or watching is struggling with any mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please don't hesitate to contact Beyond Blue or any of your outreach that is local to you.

There is the Suicide Hotline, which we'll place in the show notes as well.

And just remember that your problems, your pain, your suffering is valid and you are allowed to feel.

And don't listen to anyone who tells you can't be emotional.

So she was clearly aware of her health, but it was literally like watching someone who didn't have control over what was happening to her mind and body and trying to kind of right the ship, I guess, if you will.

And so she saw several doctors and at least the defense and even the witnesses kind of portrayed you know a haphazard response to her kind of concerns like she seemed like everything was all about you know how to medicate her and she was there was a whole list of different medications mood stabilizers antidepressants antipsychotics sleep medication that seemed like every time she went to the doctor they were giving her a different medication And she started out with a psychologist, but then she moved to a nurse practitioner and a mental health counselor, and she would call a suicide hotline at some point, and they would say, no, we can't take this further because you don't have a plan.

She tried to get into one facility, a women and infants facility, and they said after a day that this isn't right for you.

So What you see is a woman who is trying to, as her defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, said, trying to get help.

This was a tough conversation, and we appreciate you tuning in and being here with us.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.

Call 988 for the Suicide Hotline.

Visit Postpartum Support International to be connected with resources for mothers.

It really wouldn't have.

You know what I had a question about? So she had called the suicide hotline twice and both times was told that she didn't qualify for their services or whatever because she didn't have a plan.

Now, why do you have to have a plan? Like, why...

Would they turn you away because you don't have an exact plan? I mean, because if you're going to do it, you'll come up with a plan.

I would take my gun and I would go out back and I would do X, Y, and Z.

And so that's it.

But when I worked at the Suicide Hotline, again, this was many years ago, but, you know, you're there to talk to someone to help them through.

Your job is to, you know, I don't know, talk to this woman, figure some things out, follow up if you need to.

And if today's conversation hits closer to home than an educational podcast should, particularly if you are concerned that you may act on thoughts of suicide or can't keep yourself safe, please seek immediate professional help.

In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Hotline, go to your nearest emergency department, or call emergency services for immediate help.

Where outside the U.S., please consult with your country's emergency services.

And I'll see you next time at the water cooler.