TALKING ABOUT... SUICIDE

Suicide. 
It is always spoken of in hushed, whispered tones. 

As a therapist, I tell my patients in our first session together that if you ever have feelings of wanting to harm yourself, let’s talk about it as something to be understood and not something to be hidden. We will work together as a team to tackle these feelings, hand in hand. 

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and currently we are facing a crisis as approximately one person dies by suicide every eleven minutes! So, what can we do – as either those facing suicidal thoughts, as loved ones, as a support team, or as a community?

First off, notice the warning signs, such as changes in behavior (new or concerning), then make sure to bring them up to the parties involved. Often these behaviors go unchecked and unnoticed, when instead they can be the first step toward helping a loved one finding mental health care treatment. 

Secondly, pay attention to the YELLOW flags. Red flags are often too late and unfortunately are often the more noticeable ones, but the yellow flags are where we can implement preventable change. The example that comes to mind for this is Activities of Daily Living, often called “ADL’s.” If someone’s routine is to shower every day and you notice that they start to skip showers or neglect their grooming, ask them how they are doing and what’s going on. 

Don’t assume anyone is above suicide. Even those you think have it “all together” may be thinking about it – having a lucrative job for example isn’t a protective factor.

Lastly, statistics show that asking about suicide does not increase that person’s risk of losing their life to suicide!


You can support the Lakes Center Mental Health Network’s efforts for suicide prevention, awareness, and fundraising. Please join us at the Walk to Fight Suicide. Together we can walk out of the darkness!



Licensed Professional Counselor
Lakes Center Mental Health Network

When: Saturday October 7, 2023 at 10:00 am
(Check-in at 8:00 am)
Where: Downtown Ferndale, MI
(9 mile and Bermuda St.)
Team Name: Lakes Center Mental Health Network

#stopthestigma #outofdarkness

If interested, email Ashli Brennan at ABrennan@lakescenter.com
How Other Countries Deal with Mental Health

While stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking mental health for the BIPOC community, the conversation doesn’t end there. To align with Minority Mental Health Month, this spotlight aims to shed light on some of the lesser-explored factors that impact the BIPOC community’s ability to access mental health treatment – from health literacy and alternate healing methods to epigenetics and generational trauma.

Mental health is essential to everyone's well-being. However, attitudes around it and mental health stigma varies from country to country. While there can be common themes and beliefs between these places, a country’s specific mental health views will be affected by its unique practices, attitudes, and challenges. In addition, they will have their own distinct, culturally-specific strategies to address these. This article will explore what mental health care looks like in various countries across the globe.

Mental Health Tip:
Plan for Setbacks
Nothing goes our way 100% of the time, so a good way to prevent feeling devastated when life throws a hardship your way is to prepare for the possibility that tough times may come. They are temporary; having skills, resources and supports in place will lessen their disruption.
Mental Health Tip:
Practice Gratitude
We all are striving everyday to grow, and unfortunately, it can be easy to focus on what we do not have. Instead, reflect on what you do have, and the strides you made to meet your needs and goals.
We provide comprehensive psychiatric and psychotherapy services for a vast array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic illness, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse/addiction, trauma related issues, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and behavior problems. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
Did you know? SPRAVATO® can have a rapid antidepressant response and is added on to an antidepressant and the rest of your regimen. It is the first new mechanism of action to treat depression that has come out in over 30 years. 
There is hope for treatment-resistant depression. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
We provide comprehensive DBT services to provide effective treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and other disorders involving emotion dysregulation, including co-occurring substance use disorders, major depressive disorder, and individuals with history of trauma. At Lakes DBT Center, we believe that with effective evidence-based treatment and a caring and coordinated treatment team, clients can create a life they love.
Groups Starting Every 8 Weeks
Contact Josephine Salem at JSalem@lakescenter.com or Catherine DuFresne at CDuFresne@lakescenter.com for the starting date of the next group.

Wednesdays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Lakes Center, 2300 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323

This is an adult outpatient therapy group treating depression and anxiety related mental health disorders. Click here for more information!

Kathleen Mahoney LMSW is a fully licensed clinical therapist who graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Postgraduate she functioned as a Medical Social Worker in both hospital and homecare settings. These positions afforded her the opportunity to assist with many medical diagnoses and treatments including chronic pain, heart disease, COPD, oncology and hospice. She utilizes this knowledge in her treatment process.


Olivia is a Licensed Master of Social Work and psychotherapist who graduated from Wayne State University in 2019 where she studied art therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. She has clinical experience working with children, families, and adults in community mental health outpatient settings. She has received training as a Family Support Model Practitioner through the Ruth Ellis Center to support LGBTQ+ youth and families and is nationally certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy.