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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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Juan Figueroa\/Staff photographer<\/p>\n
After Jenyce Gush\u2019s brother died by suicide in 1987, she found herself struggling with grief and unsure where to turn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cI became very protective of him afterward,\u201d Gush said. \u201cI didn\u2019t have anybody to talk to, and I remember just feeling like I was going insane.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Around that time, Gush said she saw a commercial for the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas<\/a>\u2019 hotline. One night, she decided to call.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cIt was probably two or three in the morning, and I remember thinking, \u2018I\u2019m going to call them,\u2019\u201d Gush said.\u00a0<\/p>\n A year later, Gush became a volunteer for the crisis hotline. She eventually joined the center\u2019s staff full time and now, 38 years later, serves as director of volunteer services.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Lavida Davison, the center\u2019s executive director, lost her nephew, Kory, to suicide in 2024, a week before his 37th birthday.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of people think suicide is selfish,\u201d Davison said. \u201cI don\u2019t think they\u2019re selfish. I think they\u2019re only thinking of the crisis. You don\u2019t have time to think of anyone else.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are 11 other months that people are still struggling,\u201d Davison said.<\/p>\n The center offers other services<\/a> beyond its 24\/7 crisis line, including crisis debriefings, suicide intervention training, mental health screenings for youth and a survivors of suicide support group.\u00a0<\/p>\n Gush said she initially attended a general grief group after her brother died but found the experience wasn\u2019t the best fit for her and the circumstances of his death.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, she said the survivors of suicide group was different. \u201cIt was so comforting to know I wasn\u2019t by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What warning signs might indicate someone is struggling or considering suicide?<\/p>\n The warning sings of suicide can look different from person to person, Davison said. However, some common signs can include:<\/p>\n Verbal or written statements about suicide The National Institute of Mental Health<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Davison recommends parents and caregivers regularly check in with children about how they\u2019re feeling, especially if they notice a change in their behavior.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The center has also recently seen more young people use artificial intelligence tools to talk about their emotions, Davison said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cChatGPT and all of that is becoming really popular right now, so if they use it daily, it\u2019s like, \u2018I can communicate with this and this is my resource that\u2019s helping me get through,\u2019\u201d Davison said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Similarly, Davison said the center has been providing more services recently to younger children, including at elementary schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI never thought I would be going into elementary schools,\u201d Davison said. \u201cRight now, we\u2019re seeing them as young as nine take their life.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: Why gambling addictions are becoming a problem among younger adults<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n How can you support someone who may be considering suicide?<\/p>\n 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\u2019ve noticed and asking the person how they\u2019re feeling.\u00a0<\/p>\n Eventually, Gush said it\u2019s 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\u2019ve made a plan or taken steps toward carrying it out.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to remember when someone is feeling that way, their perception of their reality is distorted,\u201d Gush said.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019re 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cI would rather have someone be mad with me than be dead,\u201d Gush said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: Mental health issues are soaring among Texas children, here’s how doctors are helping<\/a><\/p>\n Where can I find resources in North Texas?<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n People experiencing a mental health crisis can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline<\/a>. The service is available 24\/7, and callers can receive confidential support from a trained crisis counselor.<\/p>\n
\nGiving away possessions
\nChanges in eating or sleeping patterns
\nIncreased alcohol or drug use\u00a0
\nExtreme changes in mood, such as sudden happiness\u00a0
\nAttempts to seek closure\u00a0<\/p>\n