In Arkansas, we pride ourselves on bein’ strong, resilient folks. We take care of our families, we help our neighbors, and we keep goin’, no matter what. But y’all, there’s a quiet crisis happenin’ in our communities, and it’s one we can’t ignore: suicide. Our beautiful state, with all its hills and hollers, has a suicide rate higher than the national average, and too many of our friends and family members are feelin’ like they’re fightin’ their battles alone.
In 2022, we lost nearly 600 Arkansans to suicide. That’s 600 too many. And for every life lost, there are countless others who are strugglin’ in silence. It’s time we start talkin’ about mental health, ‘cause pretendin’ it don’t exist ain’t helpin’ anybody.
One of the biggest challenges we face is breakin’ the stigma around mental health. Around here, folks are raised to be tough. We’re taught to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and keep pushin’. But the truth is, it’s OK to ask for help when life gets too heavy. Nobody’s meant to carry the weight of the world on their own.
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or addiction don’t care how tough you are. They can affect anyone, no matter how strong or successful you appear on the outside. And when these struggles pile up, it can feel overwhelmin’. But there’s hope, and there’s help.
Thankfully, there are resources right here in Arkansas to help folks who are strugglin’ with their mental health. Whether you’re feelin’ overwhelmed, scared, or just need someone to talk to, you don’t have to face this alone.
Arkansas Crisis Center (ACC): Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the ACC is staffed with trained volunteers who are ready to listen and offer support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call them at 1-888-274-7472. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988): Now easier than ever to reach, just dial 988 for free, confidential help anytime, day or night. The folks on the other end are trained to help you navigate through your darkest moments and connect you to local resources.
Youth Suicide Prevention (Arkansas Children’s Hospital): Our young people are facin’ struggles we couldn’t have imagined, and suicide is now the second leadin’ cause of death for Arkansans aged 10 to 24. The Arkansas Children’s Hospital is takin’ this crisis seriously, offerin’ resources for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to step in before it’s too late. Call 501-364-1100 for more information.
Veterans Crisis Line: We’ve got a lot of military veterans in this state, and they’re at a higher risk for suicide. If you’re a veteran or know someone who is, the Veterans Crisis Line is available at 988 (press 1) or by textin’ 838255.
Tacklin’ this crisis will take all of us. It ain’t just up to the doctors or the government. We all play a part in savin’ lives. Here’s what we can do:
Talk About It: It’s time to stop actin’ like mental health struggles are somethin’ to be ashamed of. Let’s talk about it with our kids, our friends, and our coworkers. When people feel safe to speak up, they’re more likely to get the help they need.
Know the Signs: Sometimes folks don’t come right out and say they’re strugglin’, but there are signs to watch for. If someone’s withdrawin’ from social activities, actin’ down, or talkin’ about feelin’ hopeless, they might be in trouble. Learn the signs and don’t be afraid to ask if they need help.
Be Kind and Listen: If someone opens up to you, don’t judge ‘em. Just listen and show you care. Sometimes, just knowin’ someone’s there for ‘em can make a world of difference.
Get Trained: There are programs right here in Arkansas like ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) that teach everyday folks how to recognize the signs of suicide and step in to help. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to save a life.
This problem ain’t goin’ away overnight, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference, one person at a time. Arkansas has always been a place where people look out for one another, and now more than ever, we need to be there for those who are strugglin’.
Whether you’re dealin’ with your own mental health issues or worried about a loved one, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There’s no shame in takin’ care of your mental health—just like you’d take care of your body if you were sick. And remember, y’all, askin’ for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you or someone you love is strugglin’, don’t wait. Pick up the phone and make the call that could save a life.
Resources:
Arkansas Crisis Center: 1-888-274-7472 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Veterans Crisis Line: 988, press 1
Let’s keep lookin’ out for each other, Arkansas. We’re all in this together
