Mental Health

Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, act, and cope with life's challenges. Everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health. Referring to mental health does not automatically mean a mental illness. Mental health exists on a continuum, and everyone experiences periods of good mental health and times when they may need additional support.

Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions are common, treatable conditions that can affect a person's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. While some mental health conditions can increase the risk of suicide, many living with a mental health condition may never become suicidal. Likewise, not everyone who experiences suicidal thoughts or dies by suicide has a diagnosed mental health condition. Understanding mental health conditions and encouraging early treatment can help promote well-being and reduce stigma.

• Depression and Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders

You can find more specific symptoms, definitions, and treatment options for other mental health conditions on the Mayo Clinic website.

Treatment

Many mental health conditions are treatable, and recovery is possible. Treatment looks different for everyone and may include one or a combination of approaches based on an individual's needs and goals.

• Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Family therapy
• Medication prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Peer support connection through support groups or peer specialists
• Lifestyle and wellness can reduce mental health symptoms when regular physical activity, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and social connection are met

Suicide Prevention

By learning the risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs, we can all play a role in suicide prevention.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for suicide are characteristics, experiences, or circumstances that increase the likelihood that a person may think about, attempt, or die by suicide.

• Previous attempt
• Isolation
• Depression or other mental illness
• Financial stress
• Employment loss or complication
• Poor physical health or well-being
• Previous criminal record
• Trauma

Protective Factors

Protective factors for suicide are characteristics, experiences, or circumstances that reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors to help people cope with challenges.

• Connection
• Support
• Limited access to lethal means
• Coping skills

Warning Signs

An increase in the following could be a red flag for a person contemplating suicide.

• Depression/anxiety
• Anger/mood swings
• Substance use
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Eating too much or too little
• Isolation
• Verbal language such as, "I am a burden."
• Self-harm
• Giving things away

Crisis Intervention

Intervention or intervening means noticing someone is in danger and taking action to help them stay safe. The best way to intervene is to follow the Suicide Safety Response or SSR.

S – Stay. Do not leave them alone. Stay with them or bring them to a trusted individual or professional.

S – Support. Be a listening ear and give support or connect them with those who are able to support.

R – Reduce and Refer. Reduce lethal means and refer to mental health resources or emergency services. Some resources include:

• First Link is a crisis intervention hotline and care support program.
• Haugen Performance supports student athletes and has programs for those transitioning out of athletics.
• North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities helps to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
• Vets for Vets connects veterans with peer supports and has other military-related programs.
• Prairie Harvest is a rehabilitative service that targets daily living and case management.
• Home on the Range is a therapeutic residential program for young adolescents who are 12-17 years old.
• You can use the North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory to locate mental health programs around the state.
• Community Connect provides care coordination, peer support, and recovery services.
• 988 is the national mental health hotline. You can call, text, or chat. They have accessible options for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. 988 uses geolocation so you are in communication with local contacts who understand your environmental factors.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness' Navigating a Mental Illness guide includes a fillable crisis plan and relapse plan to refer back to when needed.

Postvention

Postvention includes the support and resources provided after a suicide to help individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and communities heal, cope with grief, and reduce the risk of further suicide.

The Ripple Effect

Research suggests that one suicide can deeply affect 135 people. This highlights the need for strong support systems for everyone impacted.

• Healing Conversations provides a supportive space where suicide loss survivors can share their experiences with others who understand the unique grief of losing someone to suicide.
• You can find a support group by searching for your location and online or in-person options.
• Additional resources after a suicide loss occur are available.

Suicide Fatality Review

The North Dakota Suicide Fatality Review Commission was established to better understand the circumstances surrounding death by suicide and identify opportunities to prevent future loss. Through a multidisciplinary review process, the Commission examines trends, risks, and protective factors to develop data-informed recommendations that strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state.

Trainings and Mental Health Education

Mental health and suicide prevention training equips individuals with knowledge and confidence to recognize warning signs, respond effectively, and connect someone to appropriate support. Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare provider, caregiver, employer, or community member, training helps create safer, more supportive communities where everyone can play a role in preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being.

• QPR provides training for both individuals and organizations regarding emergency response.
• Living Works ASIST stands for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
• Mental Health First Aid provides mental health first aid training to help build stronger support communities or work places.

Hope and Recovery

Recovery is possible, and hope is always within reach. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers stories of hope and recovery from people with lived experiences of mental health challenges and suicide, along with resources and support for anyone in need. Remember, feelings are temporary.