Central Kansas Mental Health Center
Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) is joining organizations across the country in recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month. This month-long observance serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about suicide prevention, educate the public about the warning signs of suicide, and promote the importance of behavioral health care.
At CKMHC, we are dedicated to fostering the behavioral health and well-being of the communities we serve. We strive to deliver compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals facing behavioral health challenges, and throughout September, we are intensifying our outreach to ensure that everyone is aware of the support and resources available to them.
“We have been working diligently over the last year to expand our crisis services and reduce barriers in accessing care in our communities,” said Crisis Director Esther Kency. "This includes not only enhancingCKMHC’s mobile crisis and 24/7 services but also strengthening partnerships across the region. We also want to raise awareness of valuable resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, the Trevor Project, and the Farm Aid Lifeline. Help is available whenever and wherever it is needed."
Understanding the Warning Signs of Suicide
Throughout National Suicide Prevention Month, CKMHC will be sharing important information on recognizing the warning signs of suicide, which may include:
•Talking about wanting to die or expressing feelings of hopelessness•Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities•Displaying extreme mood swings or sudden changes in behavior•Increased use of alcohol or drugs•Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
It’s crucial to take these signs seriously and act quickly. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, don’t wait—reach out to a behavioral health professional for support.
CKMHC's Ongoing Commitment to Suicide Prevention
As a leading provider of behavioral health services, CKMHC is dedicated to suicide prevention through various programs and initiatives, including:
•24/7 Crisis Services: Our crisis team is available around the clock to provide immediate assistance to individuals in distress.•Community Education and Outreach: We offer speaking and training opportunities,includingMental Health First Aid ,to educate the community about behavioral health, suicide prevention, and how to support those in crisis.•Coordination of Care: CKMHC integrates behavioral health services with primary care to provide holistic support to those at risk.
How You Can Get Involved
CKMHC encourages our communities to participate in National Suicide Prevention Month by learning more about suicide prevention, sharing resources, and supporting those who may be struggling. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding behavioral health and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Contact CKMHC 24/7 crisis services at 785-823-6322. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support anytime, anywhere.
Crisis and Support Hotlines:
•988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.•Farm Aid Hotline: Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) for assistance with farm-related financial, legal, and crisis support.•Veterans Crisis Line: Call988and press 1to connect with a trained responder for veteran-specific crisis support.•National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or text "START" to 88788 for confidential support and resources for those affected by domestic violence.•The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386, text "START" to 678678, or chat online at thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.•Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support via text messaging.