September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Break the Silence to Save Lives
Together, we can foster a culture of awareness and compassion that saves lives. Every person matters. Every sign matters. Every conversation has the potential to connect someone to the help they need.
Suicide doesn’t always present clear warning signs and can happen suddenly, without any indication something is wrong. It is essential to recognize the discreet and overt signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Children and teens
- Decline in the quality of schoolwork
- Complaints about physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
- Anger or hostility that seems out of character
- Withdrawal from friends, family and regular activities
- Preoccupation with death and dying
- Statements like: “I wish I were dead,” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer”
Adults and seniors
- Acting anxious, agitated or behaving recklessly
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Giving things of value away
- Expressing thoughts of being a burden to others, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Helping someone who may be feeling suicidal requires sensitivity, a calm presence and immediate action. You don’t have to be a mental health expert to make a difference. By paying attention, speaking up and showing someone they’re not alone, you can help save a life.
Find more information here.
Sources: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Steven E. Pratt, M.D., serves as the chief medical officer of Magellan Health, a leader in managing the fastest-growing, most complex areas of health. In this role, Dr. Pratt advances Magellan Health’s clinical mission and furthers the company’s significant leadership capabilities in clinical engagement. He also continues to provide clinical leadership to Magellan’s employer market.
Dr. Pratt previously served as the senior medical director of the employer segment at Magellan where he was responsible for clinical oversight of the behavioral and mental health services provided by the company’s network of more than 110,000 clinicians. Subsequently, he served as vice president medical director with added duties overseeing Magellan’s quality and medical policy divisions. With more than 25 years of extensive experience in providing care to patients, overseeing the administration of health services, and supervising doctors and medical directors, Dr. Pratt is well known for creating a positive, inclusive, and engaged culture that empowers employees and creates cohesive, supportive teams.
Prior to joining Magellan Health in 2017, he served as the executive medical director of behavioral health for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Dr. Pratt also held clinical leadership positions at UnitedHealth Group.
A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Pratt received his Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Minnesota.
