Suicide Prevention and Support for Adults & Children in Fort Worth

Before we knew we would marry each other, my husband and I lived out our vow. To have and to hold . . . for better, for worse . . . ’til death do us part. I knew he had been hiding something from me. We had only been dating for 11 months, yet I could sense that something was off.

But growing up in a culture that did not see therapeutic resources beneficial, I was not prepared for how to recognize and support the warning signs of suicide. 

I remember getting ready for a job interview after he left for work. I grabbed an old phone he kept accessible to use for music and games. It opened up to a ton of text messages I was not supposed to see. I confronted him via text message and left for my interview in tears. The texts opened up hidden reckless behavior, triggered feelings of being trapped, hopelessness, and emotional pain — all symptoms to suicidal crisis.

One thing I did not know was that depression is a mental health concern he had struggled with for years. When we finally saw each other in person later that day, he said his therapist had recommended he go to Mesa Springs for an evaluation. He had called her after creating and beginning to act on a plan for his suicide.

After contemplating if he would go or not, we went together. I was allowed to sit in the room with him as long as he wanted. He was given a psychiatric evaluation. It was requested that he stay.

The hospital had daily visiting hours for approved friends and family. He stayed for two weeks, and on the last day, his family and I were invited to have lunch with him. We participated in group activities and a family counseling session. We were given tools and resources on ways to support him when he returned home. 

After much discussion, my husband and I decided to share our story. We thought it was important to share the resources that helped.

>> RELATED READ :: Depression Is Not a Choice {And Other Thoughts on Mental Illness and Suicide} <<

Warning Signs

According to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, here are signs to watch for to identify when someone is in crisis and should seek help. The person:

1. Talks about death or want to kill themselves. Also seeks to follow through with a plan.
2. Believes there is no reason to live.
3. Has feelings of unmanageable pain or being a burden.
4. Exhibits an increased use of drugs or alcohol. 
5. Shows extreme behavior changes.
6. Demonstrates reckless behavior.

Resources Around Fort Worth for Children

• ACH Child and Family Services (free) :: ACH provides six weeks of free counseling sessions that can be extended if the counselor suggests more time is needed. A psychiatric evaluation can be given called SCISSORS. If the results come back as a high risk, a referral is made for emergency services. Inpatient care at JPS is free! Patients currently being treated in the hospital can receive counseling services after their discharge as well, in order to support and give the family tools after returning home. 
• Cooks Children’s :: Provides inpatient care, outpatient medication control, partial hospitalization, clinical therapist program, and parent education and support group.
• Mesa Springs – Innovations (serves children five years old to 11, and children 12 years and older) :: Offers an intensive outpatient program, partial hospitalization program, and an inpatient program.

Resources Around Fort Worth for Adults

• Mesa Springs :: Gives psychiatric evaluation, inpatient care, outpatient care, partial hospitalization, and emergency health services.
• John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS) :: Offers outpatient services, inpatient services, and emergency services. 
• Well Bridge Healthcare :: Offers inpatient care and outpatient care.
• Mental Health Association :: Gives mental health screening tests and resources.

Crisis Hotlines 

• Mental Healthline :: 1-888-522-6384 :: This line is designed to help you find treatment options that work with your insurance and best fit your needs. 
• The Jason Foundation: 1-800-273-8255 or text ‘JASON’ to 741741 for 24/7 confidential care and support from professional crisis counselors for children and teens. 
• A Friend Asks APP: A free app partnered with the JASON Foundation to provide proper tools and resources for individuals looking out for their friends. 
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing 988 will be the three-digit number to call for confidential crisis support. You can also call 1-800-273-8255. 

While emergency services are represented above, remember that it is always safe to call 911 in an emergency, especially if you don’t feel that you can reach those service in time.