a graphic that says, " Mental Health/Suicide Awareness, Nurses Notes."

Nurse’s Notes: Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month

Every month, our staff nurses share important health updates. This month, our nurses are talking about Mental Health and Suicide Awareness.

Since 2012, there has been an increase of Ohioans with developmental disabilities served by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) who have attempted suicide. It was reported that 208 individuals attempted suicide in 2021.

Individuals with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk for suicide due to several different risk factors.

These factors can include:

  • Disability status
  • Mental health diagnosis
  • A history of trauma
  • Recent stressful life events
  • Chronic pain
  • Impulsive actions and agitation

Knowing the warning signs and ways you can help suicidal behavior is beneficial!

What behaviors may be a sign that someone is thinking about suicide or is struggling with mental health?

  • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
  • Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
  • Talking about a feeling of great guilt or shame
  • Feeling trapped or a feeling that there are no solutions
  • Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Using alcohol or drugs more often
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
  • Thinking or talking about death often

Resources available for help include:

  • The Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741
  • The Suicide Prevention Line – call or text 988
  • Seek out a counselor or medical professional

Be sure to check in OFTEN with individuals that maybe struggling with mental health as well their families!

Graphic with text that says, "Mental Health/Suicide Awareness, Nurses Notes. People with developmental disabilities can be at a higher risk for suicide because of different risk factors. Factors include their disability status, mental health diagnosis, a history of trauma, recent stressful life events, chronic pain, or impulsive actions & agitation. Signs that someone is struggling with mental health can include, talking about wanting to die, feeling empty or hopeless, or making a plan to kill themselves. Someone who is thinking about suicide may talk about feeling guilt or shame, trapped, unbearable pain, a burden to others, anxious, or agitated. Mental health struggles can also include, using alcohol or drugs more often, withdrawing from friends & family, changing eating or sleeping habits, & taking life-ending risks. Seeking a mental health support via a counselor or medical professional can also be encouraged to help someone struggling to cope with their current life situation. Since 2012, there has been an increase of Ohioans with developmental disabilities served by DODD who have attempted suicide. It was reported that 208 individuals attempted suicide in 2021. Encourage folks to check in with each other, with the families in their networks, and with the people they are supporting!"

Stay updated with new information and useful tools using the Mental Wellness resource featuring Dr. Julie Gentile at Mental Wellness | Department of Developmental Disabilities (ohio.gov). You can also visit the DODD website to access the health and welfare alert at DODD Health and Welfare Alerts or the Crisis Text Line at Crisis Text Line | Text HOME To 741741 free, 24/7 Crisis Counseling.