Suicide Prevention

It’s okay to talk about suicide. Talk about it with your children or with adult friends. You’re not giving them ideas, you’re giving them permission to open up and talk about the risks of suicide. It’s vital to ask questions, to talk.

The number of suicide deaths in the state has been increasing over the past two decades. Many factors can combine to influence a person to attempt suicide, including mental disorders, traumatic stress, substance abuse, impulsivity, chronic pain, loss or other treatable illnesses.

At Stormont Vail Health, we are committed to reducing the stigma of suicide and mental illness and raising awareness about the resources and information available. Our Behavioral Health team provides inpatient and outpatient treatments integrated with many of our other patient areas. We are here to take care of your physical and mental health.

Crisis Numbers

Immediate emergencies:
Call 911

Mental Health Crisis:
Call or Text 988

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call (English): 800-273-TALK (8255)
Call (Spanish): 1-888-628-9454
Text: HOME to 741741

Valeo Behavioral Health Care Crisis Hotline (Adults):
Call: (785) 234-3300

Family Services & Guidance Center’s Crisis Services (Children):
Call: (785) 232-5005

Stormont Vail Behavioral Health:
Call: (785) 270-4646

Warning Signs For Suicide

People who are contemplating suicide may have one or more warning signs before attempting suicide. Some signs include:

  • Saying they want to kill themselves or want to die
  • Looking for ways to kill themselves (pills, gun)
  • Feeling that they are a burden to others
  • Withdrawing from activities or people
  • Giving away possessions
  • Saying goodbye to friends or family
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Feeling hopeless or trapped
  • Feeling extreme rage or anxiety

Risk Factors For Suicide

There are many factors that contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. However, there are some common characteristics. These include:

  • Depression or other mental health disorders
  • Previous suicide attempt
  • Substance abuse
  • Family history of suicide, mental disorders or substance abuse
  • Chronic pain
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • History of abuse or trauma
  • Recent stressful life events
  • Having lethal items like guns or prescription drugs in the home

Suicide Reduction Strategies

Firearms: Because they are so lethal in suicide attempts, firearms should be temporarily removed from access until the person has improved. If removal is not an option, unloaded firearms should be locked securely, with ammo locked in a separate location.

Medications: Don’t keep lethal doses on hand. Your doctor, pharmacist, or the poison control center can help you determine how much to keep on hand and the rest should be locked up. Be especially cautious with prescription painkillers.

Alcohol: Since it can increase the chances that people make unwise choices, only small amounts of alcohol should be available.

Suicide Resources

Meet the Team

Headshot of Carol L. Adams, PsyD., Stormont Vail Health Clinical Psychologist

Carol Adams, PsyD

Specialty: Psychology
Provider Bio

Nancy Brader, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Dawn Bradley, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Erin Burns, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Abby Callis, PsyD

Specialty: Psychology
Provider Bio

Daniel Casement, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Haskel Chaffin, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Jessica Dalton, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Matthew Dittmer, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Shelly Dudley, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Jena Dunham, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Deborah Edelman-dolan, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Mary Evans, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Kathryn L Fox, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Kathryn L Fox, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Our Behavioral Health Care Location

Stormont Vail Behavioral Health Center

3707 SW 6th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66606
Location Information

Stormont Vail Health Manhattan Campus

1325 Research Park Drive
Manhattan, KS 66502
Location Information
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