#LLTJJR NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the first edition of the #LLTJJR Newsletter! This is a resource for education, support, and encouragement. Members of the #LLTJJR team are committed to Mental Health Awareness and want to reach out to those who are affected by mental illness. September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and we wanted to discuss how suicide is a growing concern, especially during a pandemic, racial injustice and political conflicts in society today. A recent report determined a substantial increase of mental health outcomes, substance abuse and suicide ideations among adults between June 24-30 2020 in the U.S. (Czeisler et al, 2020).  Anxiety and depression primarily targeted ethnic minorities, unpaid adult caregivers, essential workers, and young adults (Czeisler et al, 2020). Isolation, loneliness and work-related stressors can cause poor coping skills, and emotional and psychological consequences that could lead to hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. 

Prevention Strategies

Check in on a regular basis: Call, text, or video chat friends and family, especially if known to have existing mental health issues.

Offer to help: This can include picking up groceries or medicine from the pharmacy. If you can't do it, help them to connect with delivery services or volunteer organizations.

Have a routine: Create better habits of waking up and going to bed at the same time and routine mealtimes.

Encourage physical activity: Consider taking a walk, stretching exercises or gardening regularly.

Encourage mental activity: Learn a new skill, hobby or watch online videos.

Limit your time watching/reading the news: This negativity could heighten anxiety.

Learn the warning signs of suicide: Be mindful of what to watch for and when to intervene and help someone get through a mental health crisis. (Mayo Clinic, 2020)

#LLTJJR supporters have helped us to grow and expand positive messages on our products that are designed to break down stigmas and stand in solidarity with all mental health concerns. Your picture submissions and heartfelt stories has fueled our team’s purpose and philosophy. Help to make a difference. Save a life.

Amourie Johnson, RN, MSN

If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Disclaimer: Although I am a health professional, I am not a mental health specialist, and this article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice from a mental health provider. The information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and will give credit to the source as a guide and reference to my thoughts and views.

REFERENCES

Czeisler MÉ , Lane RI, Petrosky E, et al. (2020). Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 69(32), 1049–1057. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm#suggestedcitation

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Covid-19 and the risk of suicide. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-suicide-risk/art-20490350