Suicide Prevention Resources & Support in Atlanta

Suicide prevention is the family of efforts to reduce the risk of suicide. It provides tools, support, and other resources regarding suicide and prevention to communities across the U.S. 

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. It is the second most common cause of death among people aged 10 to 34, though the highest rate of suicide occurs in those aged 75 and older.1  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, while an estimated 1.5 million people attempted suicide that same year. Men were found to be roughly four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Firearms are the most common method of suicide, accounting for more than half of all suicide deaths.1 Suicide is linked to mental disorders, particularly depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD).2 

Because suicide is a serious public health problem that has long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities, suicide prevention requires practical efforts at different levels of society. This includes suicide prevention awareness and protective strategies for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Suicide prevention occurs when people learn the warning signs, connect with needed resources to treat possible underlying mental health issues, and commit to social change.

Because suicide continues to be such a major public health problem, resources for suicide prevention are available to those in need of immediate help. These resources include: 

• One of the largest federally mandated crisis response efforts in recent decades, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available round-the-clock to help those struggling with thoughts of suicide. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has been leading the ongoing planning process and implementation of 988 in Georgia since 2022.3 
• The statewide Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) is a toll-free suicide prevention hotline that operates round-the-clock to provide immediate mental health support, dispatch mobile crisis teams, and connect people to necessary mental health services. The GCAL number is 1-800-715-4225. 
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Georgia offers a non-crisis help line that can provide information about resources for people with mental health disorders and their families in Georgia. The phone number is 1-770-408-0625. 
• If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that this is a psychiatric emergency and ask for police officers trained in crisis intervention or otherwise trained to assist people experiencing a mental health emergency.

Georgia is committed to developing community and public policy solutions for the prevention of suicide. In early 2019, suicide prevention stakeholders, including lawmakers and medical professionals across the state, convened to learn and discuss the complexity of suicide prevention, and develop strategies to address the burden of suicide. Resources for suicide prevention in Atlanta include:  

• The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network “warm line” offers round-the-clock support for people struggling with mental health issues at 1-888-945-1414. 
• The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities  provides treatment and support services to people with mental health challenges and substance use disorders (SUD), and assists people who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  
• Georgia HOPE is a community-based mental health provider. For over 20 years, the organization has worked directly and in partnership with individuals, families, schools, and the Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS) to connect people to needed mental health resources. 
• Fulton County provides comprehensive mental health and substance use services to all residents, regardless of their ability to pay, in facilities located throughout Fulton County, including Atlanta, North Fulton, and South Fulton. They can be reached at 404-612-6520. 
• NAMI Northside Atlanta is an organization of families, friends, and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. NAMI Northside Atlanta advocates for people with mental illness. Free and confidential crisis counseling can be reached by texting “NAMI” to 741741.
• Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta offers treatment for co-occurring mental health and SUDs.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Do not wait for someone “more qualified” to step in. 

The first thing to do when reaching out to someone at risk is to talk to that person in a private setting. Remain calm and listen to their story. Try and refrain from giving advice, minimizing their problems, debating the value of life, or using judgmental language.  

Tell them that you care for them and ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. Encourage them to seek treatment or contact their doctor or therapist. If necessary, offer to help get them admitted for treatment for their mental health disorder, addiction, or both.6

When Suicide Risk & Addiction Overlap 

SUDs, including alcohol use disorder (AUD), can significantly increase the risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Alcohol and opioids like hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®) are the two most frequently implicated substances in suicide risk.7 Overdose of these substances is a common way  to take one’s life. 

The link between addiction and suicide risk highlights the importance of integrated care in a compassionate and supportive environment. Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta offers dual diagnosis treatment for those living with both an SUD and a mental health disorder. This treatment features individualized addiction therapy, group support, and holistic therapies while also teaching coping and relapse prevention skills.