From the mountains to the coast, Georgia is full of breathtaking views. Pecan pie, sweet tea, blooming dogwood trees — suicide. The not-so-southern charming truth is that Georgia’s suicide rates are rising. The most vibrant sights and scenes fade if you struggle with suicidal ideation (SI). Luckily, Georgia understands the seriousness of this complex issue.
Georgia is a state of strength and resilience. But even the mightiest among us can face mental health challenges. What if relief was all in one place, right around the corner from Atlanta? Southeast Detox is part of a well-rounded network of recovery centers. We can offer you the tools for personal growth so you can finally step out from the shadows of SI. We started our centers to fill the vital need in Georgia for programs that treat the whole person. You might have tried treatment in the past, but you have yet to see what we can do for you.
Our treatment programs include the following:
Our outpatient services safeguard your recovery progress. We have an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a partial hospitalization program (PHP). Both of our outpatient offerings are flexible and affordable.
We’ve handpicked resources focused on saving lives and promoting mental wellness. Remember, we all play a part in preventing suicide. Continue reading to access suicide prevention resources in the Peach State and beyond.
Georgia Suicide Statistics
In the land of sweet tea and Southern hospitality, suicide isn’t a common topic of conversation. Despite this, it’s an issue affecting thousands in Georgia annually. As of 2020, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that suicide is Georgia’s 12th leading cause of death. Georgia ranked 34th in suicide deaths in the U.S., with 1,491. This is a rate of 13.69 per 100,000 people. In comparison, the national rate is 13.48, with 45,979 suicides. As of 2021, 58.09% of Georgia towns lacked enough mental health providers to serve residents.
- 63% of all suicides were by firearms.
- In 2019, over four times more people died by suicide than alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents.
- 9,360 suicide attempts were made in Georgia in 2020. This figure decreased from 2019, with 10,363 suicide attempts.
- Males account for 82% of suicide deaths in the state, while females account for 18%.
What to do if Someone is Suicidal
If someone you know might be suicidal, you can make a difference. Together, we can prevent suicide and provide the care someone in crisis needs. Here are some steps you can take if you believe someone is suicidal:
- Take them seriously: Listen to the person and discuss their feelings and concerns. Avoid language that makes them feel judged. Offer reassurance that they are not alone.
- Ask direct questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the individual if they are thinking about suicide. Do they have a plan? Be direct in your questions. This will give you an accurate idea of their state of mind.
- Keep them safe: Determine the level of danger the individual is in from the questions you ask. Do they have access to harmful items like guns or medication? If they do, remove their access to deadly means.
- Get help: Encourage seeking help from a professional, like a therapist or counselor. You can offer to guide them in setting up an appointment or go with them to put them at ease.
Groups like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are also sources of aid. Discover other resources in their community to provide fellowship and solidarity. Work together to develop a safety plan and a list of individuals to contact in a crisis. - Be there: In the meantime, show up for the person at risk, even if you can’t be there in person. Stay in contact by talking or texting them, video chatting, or finding others to help. Make sure to follow through with your commitments.
- Follow Up: Check in with the individual after following the steps above. There’s no specific time frame, but the sooner, the better. Find out any changes related to their suicidal ideation. Ask how they are doing and offer ongoing support.
- Call emergency services immediately if someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves.
Georgia Suicide Prevention Resources
There are a variety of worthwhile suicide prevention resources at your fingertips.
Explore these valuable assets available in Georgia:
- Atlanta Crisis Hotline 404-730-1600
- Fulton County Behavioral Access & Information Line is a helpline to learn how to handle mental health situations with referrals to mental health services.
404-665-8600. - VA Mental Health Services Atlanta VA Medical Center offers a mental health helpline for veterans.
404-321-6111 Ext. 7620 (M-F 8 am-4:30 pm) - Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) is available 24/7 for immediate crisis support or access to services.
800-715-4225, text “GA” to 74174, or access the MyGCAL App - NAMI Georgia is a non-crisis HelpLine that can provide information about resources for persons with mental illnesses and their family members in Georgia.
770-408-0625 (M-F 8 am-4:30 pm) - Crisis Hotlines NAMI Georgia searchable community resources directory
- AFSP Georgia Healing Conversations connects suicide survivors with volunteers who have been through the same experience for understanding and guidance during a tough time.
- Mental Health America (MHA of Georgia) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with mental health challenges and promoting wellness of the mind throughout Georgia.
- The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network spans an independent (non-NAMI), consumer-led organization that offers essential services and supports for persons in recovery.
- Georgia Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 2020-2025 is the blueprint for increasing suicide prevention awareness across the state and developing and implementing the best clinical and preventive practices.
- Georgia Collaborative ASO works with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) network of more than 600 providers to deliver whole-health, person-centered, and culturally sensitive supports and services.
- Prevent Suicide GA works to reduce the risks and impact of suicide in Georgia.
- SOS Georgia Guide is free for anyone who has experienced the loss of someone to suicide.
- ASFP Georgia (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), the Atlanta chapter, focuses on preventing suicide in communities through as many programs as possible.
- Silence the Shame is a non-profit organization founded in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to eliminating mental health stigma and reducing health disparities and suicide rates for vulnerable populations.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out now.
National Resources for Suicide Prevention
Suicide extends beyond Georgia and affects thousands of lives daily. Suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021. This is one death by suicide every 11 minutes. In 2021, an estimated 3.2 million people planned suicide, and 1.2 million attempted suicide. Suicide affects people of all ages. In 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. The heartbreak of suicide ripples from family, loved ones, community members, and anyone exposed to the loss. Below are some national resources:
- The notOK App is a free digital panic button to get immediate support via text, phone call, or GPS location when you’re struggling to reach out.
- National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline provides support from trained counselors through this national hotline to prevent suicide.
800-442-HOPE (4673). - National Suicide Prevention Hotline connects you with trained crisis workers who are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
800‑273‑TALK (8255) - Now Matters Now is a non-profit center that offers skills, tools, and support for suicide prevention.
- Trevor Project Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.
Call, text, and online chat at 866-488-7386.
- American Association of Suicidology is a non-profit organization that promotes suicide prevention and intervention research with a database of accredited crisis centers.
- Zero Suicide provides a framework for holistic, clinical suicide prevention in health and behavioral health care systems through best practices and tools.
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and SAMHSA. They advance suicide prevention infrastructure and capacity building across the country.
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Dial or text 988 or use their online chat session option.
- Veterans Crisis Line offers a 24/7 hotline to support veterans and their families directly.
Call 800-273-8255 or text line 838255.
- CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action is a complete resource guide by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that details the strategies with the best available evidence to reduce suicide.
- Crisis Text Line 24/7 support with a live, trained crisis counselor.
Text HOME to 741741. - DeafLEAD provides a 24/7 videophone crisis line for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Connect at 573-303-5604 or text HAND to 839863. - LGBT National Hotline is a confidential, safe space where all trained volunteers identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Dial 888-843-4564 or via online chat.
Take advantage of these resources so you can get the support you need. You can navigate difficult times and find hope for a brighter future. Don’t miss out on life — seek suicide prevention resources if required.
The path to experience the spectacular sights of life is within your reach. You don’t have to go it alone. There are recovery centers specializing in treating this complex and consuming condition.
You’ll find over 70 streets named ‘Peachtree’ in Atlanta but only one network of centers like ours. Southeast Detox is driving change in Georgia through our customized programs. We’re one phone call away, 24/7, to answer your questions and how we can help you. Reach out to our team at 706-873-9955. Prefer to send a message? Email us at info@southeastdetoxga.com.
