CULLMAN, Ala. – The suicide death rate in Cullman County went down by 23% in 2022 compared to 2021. In 2022, 17 people in Cullman County lost their lives to suicide, down from 22 people in 2021 according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick who said, “We are on a positive trend.”
However, 17 lives lost to suicide is 17 too many. How do we, as a community, reach those in crisis, and what resources are available?
The 988 hotline is available 24/7 to those who need to talk or text about their own crisis or when concerned about a loved one or friend. Also, Cullman County is fortunate to have a mobile crisis team for adults through WellStone, with a child team in the works.
“We have an adult Mobile Crisis Team which can respond to crisis on-scene in Cullman County,” shared WellStone Chief Operating Officer Chris Van Dyke. “The team can be dispatched through 988 or contacted by law enforcement. A child team will be starting in the next six weeks.”
Other services offered by WellStone seek to prevent mental health crises and to treat mental health through various modalities.
“We have adult outpatient therapy with several modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which is similar to EMDR, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). There is also a DBT group available. We also provide Substance Use Disorder services which include Intensive Outpatient Groups, individual therapy, Peer Support and referral to inpatient treatment as needed,” Van Dyke said.
DBT has been proven effective when combined with CBT for treating those with those who feel emotions intensely and profoundly. The form of talk therapy provides coping skills for emotional regulation that can sometimes be a matter of life or death in those who struggle with suicidality.
WellStone also offers outpatient services for teenagers and children and an Emergency Services Center in Huntsville performs assessments around the clock for those in mental health crisis.
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