Stunned. Shocked. Tragic. Those are just some of the words people are using to describe the death of actor-comedian Robin Williams.
Unfortunately sometimes life imitates art.
In the 2009 movie "World's Greatest Dad," Robin Williams delivered the line: "If you're that depressed, reach out to someone. And remember: Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems."
United Way of Southeast Louisiana wants residents in our seven-parish region to know they can reach out to funded community impact partners providing mental health and substance abuse counseling.
Sometimes help is just a call away.
VIA LINK/2-1-1 offers emergency crisis counseling/suicide prevention for anyone with a 504, 985, or 337 area code calling 800-273-TALK (8255).
Last year, VIALINK provided Helpline counseling to 7,400 people and connected more than 2,100 callers to area outpatient mental health services and mental health facilities.
United Way is working with St. Tammany Parish government officials, VIALINK and 20 other social service agencies on the suicide prevention support program "It's OK to Talk About It". Parish officials say the program is helping curb what may be one of the top-five highest suicide rates in the state.
UWSELA also funds Teen Life Counts. The Jewish Family Services prevention and awareness program trains teachers as well as middle and high school students to spot suicide warning signs.
Depression is the #1 disability in the world.
Suicidal thoughts are common during or following a depressive episode. Your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be what a person needs to seek professional help.
Know the Warning Signs
- Thinking or talking about suicide
- Substance use or abuse
- No sense of purpose or belonging
- Anger
- Feeling like there is no way out
- Feeling there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism
- Withdrawal from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies
- Anxiety (restlessness, irritability, agitation)
- Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
- Looking for ways to die (internet searches for how to commit suicide, looking for guns, pills, etc.)
- Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
- Preoccupation with death
- Dramatic changes in mood
- Suddenly happier, calmer
- Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order
- Giving things away, such as prized possessions
United Way recognizes people-young and old-may need counseling at some time. The United Way partner agencies listed below provide a variety of services.
With your continued support, United Way can reach out to help our most fragile, vulnerable neighbors.
Aspire to change tomorrow, starting today.
Michael L. Williamson
President & Chief Executive Officer
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
