The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas operates a 24-hour crisis line at 214-828-1000 that is free and confidential. Its services are also available online at sccenter.org.
Juan Figueroa/Staff photographer
After Jenyce Gush’s brother died by suicide in 1987, she found herself struggling with grief and unsure where to turn.
“I became very protective of him afterward,” Gush said. “I didn’t have anybody to talk to, and I remember just feeling like I was going insane.”
Around that time, Gush said she saw a commercial for the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas’ hotline. One night, she decided to call.
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“It was probably two or three in the morning, and I remember thinking, ‘I’m going to call them,’” Gush said.
A year later, Gush became a volunteer for the crisis hotline. She eventually joined the center’s staff full time and now, 38 years later, serves as director of volunteer services.
Based in Dallas, the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas answers calls 24 hours a day, assisting individuals throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The center has been in continuous operation since 1968.
Lavida Davison, the center’s executive director, lost her nephew, Kory, to suicide in 2024, a week before his 37th birthday.
“A lot of people think suicide is selfish,” Davison said. “I don’t think they’re selfish. I think they’re only thinking of the crisis. You don’t have time to think of anyone else.”
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September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, but Davison emphasized conversations about suicide cannot be limited to one month a year. In 2024, there were 4,490 deaths by suicide in Texas, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“There are 11 other months that people are still struggling,” Davison said.
The center offers other services beyond its 24/7 crisis line, including crisis debriefings, suicide intervention training, mental health screenings for youth and a survivors of suicide support group.
Gush said she initially attended a general grief group after her brother died but found the experience wasn’t the best fit for her and the circumstances of his death.
However, she said the survivors of suicide group was different. “It was so comforting to know I wasn’t by myself.”
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What warning signs might indicate someone is struggling or considering suicide?
The warning sings of suicide can look different from person to person, Davison said. However, some common signs can include:
Verbal or written statements about suicide
Giving away possessions
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Increased alcohol or drug use
Extreme changes in mood, such as sudden happiness
Attempts to seek closure
The National Institute of Mental Health also identifies warning signs like withdrawing from friends and family or talking about wanting to die. In adults, other warning signs can include isolating themselves or portraying more self-destructive, irregular behaviors, Davison said.
Davison recommends parents and caregivers regularly check in with children about how they’re feeling, especially if they notice a change in their behavior.
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The center has also recently seen more young people use artificial intelligence tools to talk about their emotions, Davison said.
“ChatGPT and all of that is becoming really popular right now, so if they use it daily, it’s like, ‘I can communicate with this and this is my resource that’s helping me get through,’” Davison said.
Similarly, Davison said the center has been providing more services recently to younger children, including at elementary schools.
“I never thought I would be going into elementary schools,” Davison said. “Right now, we’re seeing them as young as nine take their life.”
Related: Why gambling addictions are becoming a problem among younger adults
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How can you support someone who may be considering suicide?
If someone is worried a loved one or friend may be contemplating suicide, Gush recommends approaching the conversation directly but compassionately. Start by explaining what you’ve noticed and asking the person how they’re feeling.
Eventually, Gush said it’s important to ask directly whether the person is thinking about suicide. If they say they have, Gush said to try to determine how immediate the situation is, including whether they’ve made a plan or taken steps toward carrying it out.
“You have to remember when someone is feeling that way, their perception of their reality is distorted,” Gush said.
For individuals considering calling a crisis line themselves, Gush said the hotline worker will typically ask what prompted them to call that day and will talk through how they’re feeling. In some instances, Gush said the crisis center may send out a wellness check, but typically will ask first whether the caller is open to receiving additional help.
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“I would rather have someone be mad with me than be dead,” Gush said.
Related: Mental health issues are soaring among Texas children, here’s how doctors are helping
Where can I find resources in North Texas?
The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas operates a 24-hour crisis line at 214-828-1000 that is free and confidential. Its services are also available online at sccenter.org.
People experiencing a mental health crisis can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service is available 24/7, and callers can receive confidential support from a trained crisis counselor.
See more: Here’s a list of low- to no-cost mental health resources in North Texas