FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12/07/2023

Monroe County Promotes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness

 Contact:
Jennifer Lefelar
Jennifer.Lefelar@flhealth.gov

(305) 434-5413

Monroe, Fla.— With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to take time to care for yourself, friends, and family. The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe), the Guidance Care Center, the College of the Florida Keys, Monroe County Coalition and other mental health advocates, encourage Monroe County promote mental health and prevent suicide.

“We can all safeguard our mental health by learning the warning signs of suicide ideation, and knowing what to do and where to go for help,” said DOH-Monroe Administrator and Health Officer Dr. Carla Fry, PhD, MSN, RN.

In 2022, Monroe County had a suicide rate of 17.0, higher than the state rate of 14.1. While the holidays are often a time for joy and celebration; people may still be struggling with their mental health this time of year. It is important to check in on loved ones and be aware of the risk factors.

Known Risk Factors

• Individual: History of depression and/or other mental illnesses, hopelessness, substance abuse, certain health conditions, previous suicide attempts, violence victimization and perpetration, and genetic/biological determinants.
  
  
• Relationship: High conflict or violent relationships, sense of isolation, lack of social support, family/loved one’s history of suicide, and financial and/or work stress.
  
  
• Societal: Availability of lethal means of suicide, unsafe media portrayals of suicide, and stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness.

“Help is available even for those who cannot pay for it. Suicide is preventable if we can connect ourselves and others to professional help,” said Maureen Dunleavy, LMHC, Regional Sr. Vice President for Guidance/Care Center, Inc. “Losing one more life in Monroe County is one too many. Together, we have hope for a healthy future.”

Support Positive Mental Health

• Get professional help. If you feel depressed, seek help from a professional.
• Prioritize self-care, such as exercise, meditation, etc.
• Connect with others. Reach out to supportive people for a weekly check-in.
• Check in on friends and family.
• Practice gratitude. Every morning, write down what you are grateful for. 

If you are thinking of self-harm or suicide, worried you might relapse into substance abuse, or just need to talk to someone, help is available. The Guidance/Care Center local hotline is available 24/7 at (305) 434-7660, option 8 or dial 9-8-8.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov.