Abilene, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – With at least two reports of Big Country youth attempting to end their lives in the past few days, one manager of a mental health facility in Abilene said: “We are aware of the crisis affecting people of all ages. It states that it is in the middle, but mainly young people.
Lauren Hardin told KTAB/KRBC that she didn’t expect to meet when she drove into the car accident on Thursday, April 20.
According to Hardin, the young man told her he wanted to take his own life. A woman who allegedly hit him with a car posted on Facebook, suggesting the same.
“As a mother, that’s not what you want to experience,” Hardin said.
Just days later, another boy from Roscoe University High School also tried to take his life. With these incidents, Hardin said more people in Big His Country needed help.
“The town doesn’t have enough resources,” Hardin said. “There are many young people who are suffering because they do not have the support they need.”
administrator of Oceans Behavioral Hospital Stacey Sanford of Abilene and the Permian Basin told KTAB/KRBC that the number of patients has increased over the past few years and now averages about 200 to 300 patients per month. Of those patients, 60% had considered or attempted to take their own life.
“Patients are getting worse and have more suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts,” Sanford said.
Their greatest increase was in adolescent patients. According to the World Health Organization, puberty is between the ages of 10 and 19.
“As far as adolescents are concerned, beds are rarely available,” Sanford said. “About 95% of them report some form of bullying.”
Stanford University went on to explain that bullying is a major factor in why adolescents are in hospital. She added that something needs to happen soon to help this crisis and bring more awareness.
“Hold bullies accountable. Hold schools accountable for enforcing policies and empowering people to speak up and make change,” Sanford expanded. “Speaking up is the most you can do for yourself and your loved ones.”
If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health crisis, Sanford shared some available resources:
- go to the emergency room
- Call Oceans Behavioral Hospital – (325) 691-0030
- Talk to an adult for help
You can also call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.
