DISCLAIMER: The following post is not intended to act as medical advice. As always, please consult your doctor with any questions about mental health, depression, suicidal ideation, or suicide prevention.
If you are in an immediate crisis, please call The Suicide + Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Since first being recognized in 2008, this month has become an important time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 48,000 individuals died by suicide in 2021. Although the stigma around discussing suicide is decreasing, deaths from suicide have recently increased. After declining in 2019 and 2020, suicide deaths increased approximately 5% in the United States in 2021 and are expected to have risen further in 2022.
There are a variety of complicated reasons why the numbers are on the rise. But one thing is clear: the impact of suicide is far-reaching. Whether you are someone looking to support a loved one or someone experiencing suicidal ideation yourself, Detroit Mom wants you to know that we are here for you.
It’s okay to ask for help.
Most importantly, we want you to know that it’s okay to ask for help. As someone who has experienced suicidal ideation myself, I know how important it is to hear this message repeatedly. I also know how hard it can be to take that step.
The paradoxical thing about depression is that when you need the most help, taking action feels the most impossible. If you’re not sure where to start, try writing down one concrete reason you want to keep living (even if it feels silly). Leave the note in a place you will see it. Then, reach out for an appointment with a therapist. Detroit Mom’s Guide to Therapists In + Around Detroit is a great resource for this. If this feels too hard, you can always show a loved one this post and simply say, “I think I need help.”
If you think someone you know needs help, there are important steps you can take, too. Know that when someone is experiencing suicidal ideation, logical reasoning or things that may seem obvious to you (such as, “You have so much to live for!”) may be difficult for them to see. That’s the depression talking.
Affirm their feelings as valid and let them know that help is available. You can tell them that even though it may not seem possible now, they won’t always feel this way. Then ask your loved one if they would like to call a therapist or if they would like you to make the call for them. The therapist will help them develop a safety plan and coping skills.
Below is a list of resources that can help in addition to the therapists in the guide mentioned above.
Local Resources
988 Suicide + Crisis Lifeline | 988
Call or text the 988 Lifeline to be connected with a trained counselor who will provide free and confidential immediate support and crisis counseling. The counselor will also connect you to resources for continued support. The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
Caleb’s Kids | Detroit | (313) 437-1609
Hamzavi Psychiatry | Dr. Amina Kahn | Clinton Township | (248) 731-7458
Healing Home Counseling Group | Bloomfield | (248) 792-8093
Healing Home Counseling Group has highly skilled clinicians that can support those experiencing suicidal ideation and other high risk needs on the continuum of parenthood and especially in the postpartum phase. They offer individual, group, parent, and youth therapy both in person and virtually.
Honey for Moms | Ferndale | (248) 232-2555
Honey is a motherhood development center that provides maternal mental health support. Their services include in-person and virtual therapy, integrative psychiatry, support groups, breast and bottle feeding consultation, classes, and a social lounge. Honey also has a scholarship program and sliding scale for lower income families.
Integrative Psychiatry Services | Bingham Farms | (248) 468-1889
A psychiatry practice experienced in working with nursing mothers that uses an integrative approach. They offer in-person as well as virtual appointments.
Nature’s Playhouse | Ferndale | (248) 955-3219
SPN Survivors | Livonia
SPN Survivors was started after the founders experienced the loss of their nephew to suicide. They offer resources and education to help prevent suicide and strengthen mental health.
Tiny Feet Wellness | Clinton Township | (586) 307-6530
State Resources
Community Mental Health Organizations | Statewide
Each county in the Metro-Detroit area has a Community Mental Health organization that offers crisis support, counseling, case-management services, mental health screenings, and more.
- Macomb County: Macomb County Community Mental Health
- Oakland County: Oakland Community Health Network
- Wayne County: Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
For information about Community Mental Health organizations across the state, see the State of Michigan contact list.
Pine Rest Mother + Baby Program | Grand Rapids | (616) 455-5500
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services offers a specialized Mother + Baby Program for mothers experiencing perinatal mood disorders. Moms needing intensive support can bring their babies with them to this partial hospitalization program (meaning patients receive services during the entire day, but do not stay overnight at the hospital).
The program includes group therapy, psychiatric medication support, nutrition counseling, and activity therapy. Note that they offer services to any mother in a mental health crisis, not only Christians, and conversation with a chaplain is an optional part of the program. If the distance to Grand Rapids is not feasible, you can also call their hotline at 1-800-678-5500 to be connected to a therapist and immediate support in your area.
National Organizations
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | (212) 363-3500
A national non-profit organization working to prevent suicide through providing education, resources, and political advocacy. They have resources for those affected by suicide as well. Their #TalkAwaytheDark campaign emphasizes the importance of speaking up and shedding light on suicide so those in distress feel comfortable asking for help.
Crisis Text Line | 988
You can text the 988 Lifeline or text “TALK” to 741741. You will be directed to complete a short survey with questions about what’s going on. Then, a counselor will provide you support and resources via text.
To Write Love on Her Arms | (321) 499-3901
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping people struggling with depression, self-injury, and suicide. They have a Find Help Tool with filters for specific needs (grief, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, veteran, etc.) to help you locate services in your area.
Local Events
Out of the Darkness Oakland/Rochester/Macomb Walk | September 14 | Shelby Township
The Oakland/Rochester/Macomb Out of the Darkness Walk will be held at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township on September 14, 2024. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m.
4th Annual Life 5K Fundraiser | September 28 | Detroit
Caleb’s Kids’ Fourth Annual Life 5K for suicide prevention will be held September 28, 2024 at Palmer Park in Detroit. Meet at the splash pad in the park at 10:00 a.m. to kick off the 5K run/walk.
Out of the Darkness Downriver Walk | September 28 | New Boston
The Downriver Out of the Darkness Walk will be held at Willow Metropark in New Boston on September 28, 2024. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m.
Out of the Darkness Ann Arbor Walk | October 6 | Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Out of the Darkness Walk will be held at Liberty Plaza in Ann Arbor on October 6, 2024. Check-in begins at 10:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 12:00 p.m.
Out of the Darkness Metro Detroit Walk | October 19 | Detroit
The Metro Detroit Out of the Darkness Walk will be held at Belle Isle State Park in Detroit on October 19, 2024. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
No matter how suicide may impact you, Detroit Mom is here to offer support. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help and remember that you are not alone.
