Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and is especially concerning in younger age groups. The most recent Youth Risk Behaviors Survey shows 10% of people in grades 9-12 made at least one suicide attempt in the past 12 months.
We can all help prevent suicide. A national network of local crisis centers, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, says knowing what to look for and how to get involved are key.
Learning the Warning Signs
People who are considering suicide typically show certain behaviors. Do you know the warning signs to look for?
- talking about death or suicide
- online searches about suicide or ways to kill oneself
- feelings of extreme anger and despair
- big mood swings
- noticeable changes to eating or sleeping patterns
- self-harm like cutting
You'll also want to pay attention to these risk factors:
- previous suicide attempts
- family history of suicide
- excessive drinking or substance misuse
- mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder
- a history of bullying, trauma or abuse
- long-term illness or chronic pain
- access to prescription medicines or guns
Talking Openly
If you think someone in your life is considering suicide, don't be afraid to ask. You may worry that talking about suicide with someone who's depressed or at risk might “plant the seed." But experts say this is a myth. Communicating your concerns can help by showing you care and want to understand.
If they're thinking about suicide:
- Listen without judgement and ask if there's anything they need.
- Stay with them or get to them if you can.
- Make sure they're in a safe place until you can get them more help.
- Do a sweep for anything that could be used in a suicide attempt.
- Call 911 if you're worried danger is imminent.
- Text or call 988. This three-digit code connects to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for crisis support. You can also chat at 988 Lifeline. 988 is confidential, free and available 24/7/365.
- Provide long-term support. People who are considering suicide or who have tried to take their life need stability and support from friends and family.
The Importance of Mental Health Care
These three facts demonstrate the importance of mental health care and its role in treating suicidal individuals:
- Studies show there are far more suicide attempts than suicides. The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests that many people who try suicide simply want to end their pain, not necessarily their life.
- Many people who attempt or consider suicide may have untreated mental health conditions that leave them at risk for suicide or other dangerous actions.
- A National Institutes of Health study shows most people who die by suicide have never seen a mental health professional or had a mental health diagnosis. This stresses the importance of mental health care not just for those who have expressed suicidal feelings but for anyone showing signs of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Resources
To make an appointment with a mental health provider:
Every TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care plan covers confidential outpatient mental health services such as therapy appointments and inpatient services like hospitalization. Licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and certified drug and alcohol abuse counselors provide services for adults 18 and older.
- Make a virtual appointment with Teladoc. It's easy to download the Teladoc app from the Apple Store or Teladoc mobile app from Google Play Store. You can also call 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) for help from a customer service representative.
- Log in to Blue Access for MembersSM to find an in-network therapist, psychiatrist or other mental health specialist.
- Call a Personal Health Guide at 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App for help finding a doctor or making an appointment.
More Helpful Resources
Below you'll find links to more information about mental health, including specific conditions. Learn about risk factors, what to look for and how to get help if you need it.
- TRS-ActiveCare Mental Health Coverage - Important details about your plan's copays, coinsurance and more
- TRS-ActiveCare Signs of Depression - How to know if it's temporary sadness or if you should seek help
- TRS-ActiveCare All About Anxiety - The most common mental health issue often goes untreated.
- TRS-ActiveCare Looking Out for Loved Ones - How to spot the signs of mental illness in others
- TRS-ActiveCare Self-Care - Tips for taking care of yourself
TRS-Care Standard
To make an appointment with a mental health provider:
- Make a virtual appointment with Teladoc. It's easy to download the Teladoc app from the Apple Store or Teladoc mobile app from Google Play Store. You can also call 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) for help from a customer service representative.
- Log in to Blue Access for MembersSM to find an in-network therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health specialist.
- Call a Personal Health Guide at 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App for help finding a doctor or making an appointment.
More Helpful Resources
Below you'll find links to more information about mental health, including specific conditions. Learn about risk factors, what to look for and how to get help if you need it.
- TRS-Care Standard: Mental Health Coverage - Important details about your plan's copays, coinsurance and more
- TRS-Care Standard: Signs of Depression - How to know if it's temporary sadness or if you should seek help
- TRS-Care Standard: All About Anxiety - The most common mental health issue often goes untreated.
- TRS-Care Standard: Spotting When Your Loved Ones Need Help - How to spot the signs of mental illness in others
- TRS-Care Standard: Self-Care Tips - Tips for taking care of yourself
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage
Behavioral Health Services
Need emotional support? Call United Healthcare's Behavioral Health Services at 1-800-453-8440, TTY 711, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We'll connect you to a trained specialist who'll listen, help you identify the nature of your problem and find the right resources to address it.
With Virtual Behavioral Health Visits, you're able to video chat with a behavioral health specialist from your computer, tablet or smartphone - any time, day or night. Services include initial evaluation, medication management and ongoing counseling. All you need is a strong internet connection. You will first need to set up an account at UHC Virtual Doctor Visitsand then schedule an appointment.
Looking for additional behavioral health resources? Log into UHC's Let's Move page to help you beat the blues during the holidays and beyond.
Find a Provider
Not sure where to begin or have questions about how to find a provider? Contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT, Monday – Friday.