I am an attempted suicide survivor and lately those same thoughts and feelings have been hard to ward off. I would like to get help but I don’t have insurance, and I am scared to go, because debt is one of the main things that causes anxiety for me. What can I do?

First, I would like to begin by telling you and anyone else who has survived a suicide attempt that I am proud of you for being able to pull through and I am especially proud of you now for reaching out for assistance.

Having thoughts of suicide can be scary and overwhelming. It is important to reach out for help as soon as you start having the thoughts so you can begin to address the issues and start the healing process.

Just as in Houston, Texas, where http://www.askallie.org is based, there are several mental health facilities around the United States that offer mental health crisis intervention for no or low cost.

If you feel that you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself, you can:

· Go to a hospital and request psychiatric services-if the hospital does not have services on site, they will refer you to the nearest place that can assist you
· Dial 911 for police and/or ambulance intervention
· Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.TALK http://suicidepreventionlifline.org
· Call a mental health facility for help

It is important to be as honest as you can about what is happening with you and not to downplay your feelings. I know it can be difficult to reach out for help but YOU are worth living through the uncomfortable feelings you may have.

If you feel that you are in control of your feelings right now and you need assistance from a mental health provider, but not on an emergency basis, you can contact the local United Way chapter in your area and ask for a list of no or lost cost mental health service providers. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [see above] for referrals and a comforting person to talk to. They are available 24 hours a day.

I would also like to say that these feelings are not your fault but are your responsibility to address. If you reach out and ask for help and are not helped, keep reaching out until you are listened to. You are a valuable person and deserve to live a life of dignity and positive mental health.

Allie