Episcopal Health Services Promotes Suicide Prevention Awareness in September

On September 25, EHS will host an event titled "Mental Health Matters: Every Person Deserves Care and Compassion" from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Arverne View, located at 57-17 Shore Front Parkway. This interactive community gathering will focus on mental health awareness and compassionate care. The event will feature raffles, giveaways, educational resources, massage and aromatherapy sessions, Zumba classes, and light refreshments. Open to the public and free of charge, the event is organized by EHS Behavioral Health Services and the Behavioral Health Patient & Family Advisory Council.

Additionally, on September 30, EHS will conduct a walk titled "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," commencing at 11:45 a.m. from the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Courtyard Garden at 327 Beach 19th St., with a rain date set for October 2. Participants will walk together to foster conversation about mental health and suicide, with EHS Vice President of Behavioral Health Tanya Barros emphasizing the importance of normalizing these discussions.

Barros explained that while awareness of mental health issues has grown, many individuals still suffer in silence due to stigma. She noted that the aim of the events is to ease the conversation around suicide and mental health, equating it to seeking help for physical health issues. EHS offers a comprehensive care model, including the recently opened Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion, which provides care for various age groups and includes a Community Mental Health Center and a Wellness and Recovery Center.

EHS emphasizes early intervention in mental health, with physicians screening pediatric patients for depression and anxiety during routine visits. Their coordinated care system ensures effective communication among behavioral health providers, primary care physicians, and social workers. This multi-faceted approach extends to patients regardless of insurance status and encompasses therapy, group counseling, and addiction services.

Barros advises individuals to seek help before reaching a crisis, noting that even mild feelings of distress warrant attention. EHS Department of Psychiatry psychologist Dr. David Statman added that mental health should be perceived as just another aspect of health care.

Statman identified several factors contributing to suicidal thoughts, including feelings of isolation and lack of access to care. He encouraged open communication, expressing that discussing mental health openly can help mitigate feelings of hopelessness. He distinguished between passive and active suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention in severe cases.

Supportive actions can include creating a safety plan with a mental health professional, maintaining regular communication, and directly addressing concerns with loved ones. Statman reassured that speaking openly about suicide does not incite those feelings; rather, it signifies care and concern.

For individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide, reaching out to trusted individuals or professionals is crucial. For immediate help, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988, and EHS can be contacted at 718-869-7000.