Latest news with #SuicidePrevention
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Coroner calls for urgent action over NHS blindspot after woman, 27, dies
A coroner has called for urgent action to address an NHS blindspot in Greater Manchester's crisis support after the tragic death of a young woman aged just 27. Jessica Smithson sadly took her own life on August 28 2024. An inquest into her death on August 7 heard that Jessica's mental state had 'acutely deteriorated' following an alleged sexual assault that she reported to police just two days before her death. Already under a treatment plan for Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder, Jessica had been in contact with a mental health support service, Shout, run by a charity, on the evening of August 28, shortly before she tragically took her own life. READ MORE: Pensioner died after hospital missed bleed on the brain, then made it worse READ MORE: Met Office warns Hurricane Erin set to bring 'big change' to UK weather over last few weeks of summer The inquest, held at Rochdale Coroners Court, heard that Shout has the option to refer certain high-risk cases to the Metropolitan Police, who can use the texter's mobile phone number to try and locate them so that local police services can intervene - but Jessica's case was not escalated. At the inquest, Senior Coroner Joanne Kersley returned a verdict of suicide, adding that Jessica's case should have been passed to the Met Police, but that even if it had, her life sadly could not have been saved. Now Ms Kearsley has said that more people like Jessica could be at risk of dying unless action is taken to provide a 24/7 text-based crisis service, a role currently performed by charities. She has written to the Department of Health and NHS England, making reference to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which in 2023 'highlighted the critical role of 24/7 crisis text services'. "The roll-out of these services across the country was a key action and commitment in the strategy, funded by an allocation of £7 million to integrated care boards. "NHS England indicated that they would oversee the roll-out of these, which was expected to be rolled out by March 2025. This has now been extended to March 2026. "Only 10 have set up such a service with another 11 in the process of doing so. Some have indicated that they have no plans to do so." "At present this gap is being filled by charity organisations. They are not under the Department of Health so there is no standard policy or procedure for them to follow. Hence there is a lack of consistency as to the support an individual can receive. She continued: "As they are not linked into local NHS trusts, they have limited ability to understand local pathways or offer a more coordinated response where someone is already under local services." Addressing the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, she stated that there is no commissioned text support service in Greater Manchester. "While residents can message national services, the location of an individual texter will often not be known," Ms Kearsley wrote. "Greater Manchester Police receive a significant number of referrals sent by Shout to the Met Police from this service - almost one a day where there is an immediate risk to life. "If there was a GM commissioned service, it is likely that any search for the individual would be done by GMP and would shorten the timeframe in which they could respond to the risk. "A GM commissioned service would have a greater understanding of local pathways in order to refer people before they reach a point of crisis." Concluding the report, Ms Kearsley asked for a response from both parties by October 6, writing: "In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe each of you have the power to take such action." In response, the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board said they were 'committed' to launching a crisis text support service by March 2026 which would be 'integrated into a wider support system'. A spokesperson for NHS Greater Manchester said: 'Our thoughts are with Jessica's family, friends and all who loved her. "We are committed to preventing suicides and are progressing plans to launch a crisis text service as part of that work. We will ensure our response to the coroner addresses the concerns raised in full.' When approached for comment, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Our deepest sympathies are with Jessica's family and friends in this tragic case. 'We respond to, and learn from, all Prevention of Future Death reports and will consider the report fully before responding. 'It is essential that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can access timely support when they need it and NHS England has confirmed plans to have 24 hour a day, seven day a week mental health crisis text services in place nationally by spring 2026.'
News24
2 days ago
- Health
- News24
When you can't kiss it better: Understanding and preventing child suicide
Child suicide is a tragic and growing reality but often misunderstood and underestimated. As shocking reports emerge of children in impoverished areas seeking rat poison to harm themselves, campaigns like visits by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to raise awareness about suicide prevention are intensifying. Yet, incidents continue as children face immense pressures beyond what is visible to the adults around them. READ MORE | SPECIAL REPORT | Why do so many women and children go missing? Instances like an 11-year-old in Brakpan who died by suicide or the heartbreaking case of two best friends in Ekurhuleni who consumed poison during their lunch break, highlight the depth of this crisis. Experts, like child psychiatrist Dr Maria Dobreva, stress the troubling increase in suicides among adolescents, with warning signs often missed during routine medical visits. Research also shows younger children, often as early as age four, have a deeper understanding of death – and even acts of suicide – than previously assumed. A growing problem across age groups In the 15-to-24 age group, suicide is the second leading cause of death, but pre-adolescent children are not immune either. SADAG confirms assisting schools to address mental health issues in children as young as nine. Painful family dynamics, bullying, abuse, and trauma commonly underlie these cases, often leading to despair that children can't articulate but deeply feel. As families try to navigate complex causes, the case of a seven-year-old girl sheds light on the debilitating struggle these young minds face. After a turbulent family separation, she expressed her pain not in words but through disturbing drawings. Intervention, therapy, and innovative treatments like ketamine infusions turned her life around, offering hope and healing for her and her family. Recognising the warning signs Identifying warning signs can save a child's life. Symptoms like impulsivity, anxiety, self-harm, aggressive behaviors, or preoccupation with death signal distress. SADAG urges parents to listen actively, connect with their children's emotions, and reach out for professional help. Additionally, behavioral changes, like withdrawal or decreased self-care, require urgent attention. While depression is a known risk factor, child suicide may also be linked to ADHD, oppositional defiant behavior (ODD), or obsessive-compulsive tendencies (OCD), complicating how parents or teachers perceive warning signs. Child psychiatrist Dr Maria emphasises a proactive approach, urging families to seek not just physical health checks but also mental health evaluations when something feels off. What can be done? Child suicide is preventable, but it requires awareness, early intervention and collective action. Parents are encouraged to pay attention to subtle cues – statements like 'I wish I could disappear,' or changes in social behaviour – and provide a steady source of love and support. SADAG also recommends direct conversations about self-harm, contrary to the common myth that discussing it 'plants the idea.' Mental health challenges in youth cut across socioeconomic divides, but support from parents, schools, and professionals can make a life-changing difference. For professional guidance on child mental health or suicide prevention, consult SADAG or a local support group in your area.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Big Bang Theory' Star Slams Trump Administration For ‘Criminal' Move Against LGBTQ+ Youth
'Big Bang Theory' star Jim Parsons is slamming President Donald Trump for this 'criminal' decision. The president's administration announced in June that it was shutting down the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ youth service, and Parsons believes he knows why it's happening. 'I think it's quite literally criminal,' said Parsons, who is gay, during an appearance on MSNBC's 'The Weekend' program. 'It's one of the kinds of decisions that you're like, 'There's no good reason for it.'' 'It doesn't matter what reason you ever put towards it or say it's the reason it's happening, it's never going to be justified,' the actor said. 'It is only hurtful. 'It feels like it's only being done in order to make a point ... Like, 'We're getting rid of this because we want to make sure certain people understand they're not welcome here,'' Parsons added. The LGBTQ+ youth services section of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in September 2022, allowing anyone who called 988 to then select option 3 to receive mental health support tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project, one of the groups that had contracted with the government to provide counseling for LGBTQ+ youth, issued a statement after news that the specialized program would close. 'This is devastating, to say the least. Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,' said the organization, which will continue to offer services via its own hotline. 'The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Actor Jim Parsons is not pleased with the Trump administration.
Actor Jim Parsons has openly criticized the Trump administration for one of its latest decisions. Last Friday, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline switched off the option for LGBTQ youth to press a button and speak to a specialized counselor, which had been in place since 2022. In those three years, the 988 hotline has received over 16 million calls, texts and chats. Nearly 1.5 million of those were made by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
CBS News
18-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
LGBTQ community concerned after lifeline for struggling youth is dropped due to federal budget cuts
A lifeline for struggling LGBTQ youth has officially been terminated as a result of federal budget cuts. The service has helped over a million young people to date, and now the community is concerned about how to fill the gap. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline dropped the specialized option for LGBTQ+ youth, known as the "Press 3" option. "I don't agree with it. I think that cutting funding for something that was an outlet to LGBT people was, I mean, that's kind of wacko," said Christian Carter. Many in the LGBT community are concerned about how this could impact young people. "It's a social lifeline to a lot of people, especially kids who are confused about, you know, their sexuality or where their lives are going. It's terrible. I think it's going to kill people," Erich said. Multiple studies show LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to harm themselves. "Suicide risk among LGBT young people is very high; more than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people in America seriously consider suicide every year, every 45 seconds," said Jackson Budinger with the Trevor Project. LGBT calls would be sent to them and six other groups. In just three years, the "Press 3" option has helped 1.5 million LGBT+ youth, according to the Trevor Project. Budinger said they offer specialized help. "LGBTQ young people in crisis may be experiencing very unique things, like navigating the coming out process, accessing, you know, certain types of health care, being bullied or harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or being rejected from their family, experiencing homelessness," she said. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration runs 988. In a statement, it said their goal is "… to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option." It went on to say, "Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors." If you need help, you're encouraged to call for help, which includes calling 988. The Trevor Project can be reached at (866) 488-7386 or by texting 678678. The Pride Center also recommends the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward BIG PRIDE LGBTQ+ mentoring program (funded by Our Fund : (954) 584-9990. The National Runaway Safeline, a nonprofit established in 1971, offers support to youth and teens in Broward County and all over the country who are in crisis. Their website has resources for youth and teens, as well as for concerned adults and service providers. The homepage offers several ways to tap to connect (auto dial phone, live chat, email, join a forum, or send a text message). Learn more about the NRS 1-800-Runaway Safe Line. Samantha tested this line and resource and found:
