Episode 99-COFFEE AND CONVERSATION - Suicide Prevention :You Are Not Alone

September is suicide prevention month, and as the number of people affected by the pandemic increases, mental health issues skyrocket. Experts are extremely-aware of the challenges many faces with mental health. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It is responsible for more than 48,000 deaths in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes.   

This month's podcast will discuss suicide, why suicide is the largest growing health problem, how family, friends, and communities are affected by this health problem. We also address preventative measures for those who suffer from suicide ideation and effective programs that address social ecology. Knowing the signs and systems of someone suffering from mental health issues such as suicide ideation can save a life and build a community.   

NiEtta will host our podcast to help us understand what to do (and what NOT to do) when a loved one is having thoughts of suicide. Her goal is to create opportunities for those in need of access to mental health resources and help them overcome challenges in order to lead healthy, productive lives. Our co-host, prominent psychiatrist Dr. Kenneth Rogers, joins NiEtta each month to help the community understand the complexities of our mental health issues.   

This month, our guest speakers will be Vanita Halliburton, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Grant Halliburton Foundation, a frequent speaker on youth mental health and suicide prevention in schools, at professional conferences, and throughout the North Texas community. Also, Dr. Brad Schwall, a Licensed Counselor and President & Chief Executive Officer of The Counseling Center. Dr. Schwall has provided counseling, training for educators, social and emotional instructional programming for children, and parent education in the Park Cities and North Dallas for over 25 years. He has served at The Center, Park Cities Baptist Church, and at McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School in the Highland Park Independent School District. Dr. Schwall offers tips on parenting, family life, and mental health in regular articles and frequent interviews on WFAA-TV, Channel 8.