Mental health experts with Delray Medical Center and Fair Oaks Pavilion, a 66-bed adult psychiatric unit on the medical center’s campus, are working to improve awareness about suicide prevention.
“Understanding the issues regarding suicide and mental health is an important step in helping ourselves, helping others, and positively reframing the conversation around mental health,” said Jeffrey Lefton, administrative director of Fair Oaks.
Suicide was the 11th-leading cause of death in the United States in 2022: More than 49,000 Americans died by suicide, with 1.6 million suicide attempts that same year.
While there is no one set of signs that people might be considering hurting themselves, Lefton said that at-risk individuals often display certain characteristics.
Risk factors can include a current or past mental health diagnosis, alcohol and/or substance use disorders, feelings of hopelessness, history of trauma or abuse, and life stress such as divorce, bullying or financial crisis. Additionally, exposure to another person’s suicide, access to lethal means and lack of social support can be factors, he explained.
“It is important to pay attention to what people say, how they act, and how they feel. A person considering suicide might talk about killing themselves, being a burden to others, or feeling hopeless,” Lefton said.
“Their behaviors might also signal a risk, especially if it is related to a painful event or loss. Warning signs can include isolation from family and friends, giving away prized possessions, new or increased aggression, and fatigue.”
Those who are considering suicide should not be ashamed to seek help. “Whether you, or someone you know, might have mental health concerns or suicidal ideations, be open and don’t be afraid to speak to someone,” Lefton said. “We all have mental health just as we have physical health, and help is available.”
Phone numbers to get help include 211 in Palm Beach County and 988 for the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, participates in the “Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model,” an initiative designed to assist in the management of dementia care. The program aims to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and easing the burden on their caregivers. The GUIDE Model focuses on care coordination, support for caregivers, and community integration to help individuals with the disease to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
For more information, call 561-955-4600 or visit https://baptisthealth.net/locations/institutes/brain-and-spine/marcus-neuroscience-institute-boca-raton.
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Dr. Dennys Reyes, interventional neurologist, and Paola Ramirez, clinical research coordinator, are taking part in the Picasso Trial for stroke victims at Delray Medical Center. Photo provided
Brought about by interventional neurologists Drs. Nils Mueller-Kronast and Dennys Reyes, Delray Medical Center has enrolled a patient in the Picasso Trial, which is in its third phase.
The trial’s goal is to improve management for patients with tandem occlusions, which can occur when a stroke in the brain is accompanied by a narrowing or blockage in the neck artery, limiting blood flow to critical areas.
The findings from the Picasso Trial may affect how stroke patients with tandem occlusions are treated, providing clearer guidance for physicians and better outcomes for patients.
The Picasso Trial compares two distinct treatment approaches: stenting the artery to keep it open or performing angioplasty.
Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.
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