National Suicide Prevention Month

Dr. Sally Brooks | September 11, 2022

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

by Dr. Sally Brooks, MD (Chief Medical Officer at MIND 24-7)

MIND 24-7 seeks to raise awareness of the mental health challenges that can lead to suicide, what signs to look for, and when to seek help.

According to Mental Health America, suicidal ideation continues to increase in the United States.

4.58% of adults report having serious thoughts of suicide, an increase of 664,000 people from last year.

The national rate of suicidal ideation among adults has increased every year since 2011-2012 and this year has shown the largest increase so far.

The stigma around mental health also contributes to the rising number of deaths by suicide: Many people do not feel comfortable seeking treatment.

Some warning signs to be on the lookout for:

  1. Changes in mood
  2. Giving away prized possessions
  3. Putting final affairs in order
  4. Withdrawing
  5. Changes in physical appearance
  6. Prior suicide attempts
  7. Alcohol or drug use
  8. High-risk behaviors

Make sure you are checking in with your friends and family, and if you notice these behaviors in yourself or a loved one, know help is available.

If they are not ready to seek in- or out-patient care, there are many free resources available to those suffering from mental health issues.

If you or a loved one is ready to make the step to in-person treatment, MIND 24-7 is an open door to your mental health care, around the clock.

Be seen in about 15 minutes by a clinical professional 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no need for an appointment.

We are there for you or the one you love at the time of need, regardless of your ability to pay. If you or a loved one need help, call 844-646-3247 or stop by one of our three locations across the Greater Phoenix area today to discuss your options with a provider.

About the Author

Dr. Sally Brooks

Chief Medical Officer at MIND 24-7
LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Sally Brooks is the Chief Medical Officer of MIND 24-7. Prior, she served as the SVP, Chief Medical Officer for Kindred Healthcare Rehabilitation Services and was responsible for recruiting and supporting Physicians, Clinical Operations, Business Development and improving relationships with Managed and Accountable Care Organizations.

Dr. Brooks has 30 years of experience in healthcare. She served in senior leadership teams at UnitedHealth Group as VP of Physician Services and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Anthem where she integrated and oversaw Medical Management Initiatives as the National Medical Director. Earlier, Dr. Brooks was Director of the senior health (geriatric) services at The Christ Hospital Health Network where she started her Internal and Geriatric Medicine practice.

She is a passionate fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association and was a founding member of the Speaking of Women’s Health conference series. Dr. Brooks earned her pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University, her medical degree from Marshall University, completed her internal medicine residency at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio and her geriatric fellowship at the University of Cincinnati. Dr Brooks resides in Cincinnati where she and her husband raised three daughters. Her interests include skiing, hiking, cooking, and Buckeye football.

About the MIND 24-7

MIND 24-7 is fundamentally changing the landscape of accessible behavioral health by offering walk-in urgent mental health and substance abuse services such as Psych Express Care, Psych Crisis Care, and Psych Progressions. MIND 24-7 fills the gap for those seeking help by being available right when they need it – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Using innovations in value-based care models to improve and expand access to care, MIND 24-7 not only enhances quality patient care, but reduces pressure on the system, reducing costly emergency room visits, in-patient treatment, and readmissions for crisis care. To learn more, go to www.MIND24-7.com.