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, or suicidal ideation.
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
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
Tiny Feet Wellness | Clinton Township | (586) 307-6530
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. Healing Home Counseling Group offers individual, group, parent, and youth therapy both in person and virtually.
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 Downriver Walk | September 23 | New Boston
The Downriver Out of the Darkness Walk will be held at Willow Metropark in New Boston on September 23, 2023. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
Out of the Darkness Ann Arbor Walk | September 24 | Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Out of the Darkness Walk will be held at Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter on September 24, 2023. Check-in begins at 11:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 1:00 p.m. Timber Creek Counseling, Cypress Counseling Center, and Therapy Today Counseling and Consulting are all sponsors who will be at the event to provide more information about their services.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk | September 29 | Detroit
The Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center on September 29, 2023. Opening remarks will be at 11:30 a.m., with the walk immediately following.
3rd Annual Life 5K Fundraiser | September 30 | Detroit
Caleb’s Kids’ Third Annual Life 5K for suicide prevention will be held September 30, 2023 at Palmer Park in Detroit. Meet at Shed 2 in the park at 9:00 a.m. to kick off the 5K run/walk.
Out of the Darkness Metro Detroit Walk | October 7 | Ferndale
The Metro Detroit Out of the Darkness Walk will be held in downtown Ferndale at 9 Mile Road and Bermuda Street on October 7th, 2023. Check in begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m. Peace of Mind Therapy, PLLC and Motor City Center for Hope, LLC are both sponsors who will be at the event to provide more information about their services.
National Suicide Day of Loss | November 15 | Detroit
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network is hosting a National Suicide Day of Loss event on November 15, 2023 at the Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Bridge Center Library in Detroit. Attend this free event for an evening of remembrance and support.
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.
