Montesano Psychological Center flags suicide warning signs during National Suicide Prevention Month

Montesano Psychological Center is urging Illinois residents to spot warning signs of mental health crises as National Suicide Prevention Month nears. The Antioch practice is also pointing people to 988, emergency services, and its virtual therapy options for early support.

Why it matters: - Early recognition of mental health warning signs can help family members, friends, and loved ones intervene before a crisis escalates. - The message comes as National Suicide Prevention Month approaches, when attention to suicide prevention and mental health support typically increases. - Access to immediate help matters because people in crisis may need professional support, not just informal help from people around them.

What happened: - Montesano Psychological Center in Antioch, Illinois, urged residents to recognize signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis. - The practice said Suicide Prevention Month is a chance to move beyond awareness and have direct conversations about emotional distress and seeking help early. - Dr. Liara Montesano, founder of Montesano Psychological Center, said people do not always state outright that they are struggling and that behavior changes can signal a need for support.

The details: - Potential warning signs include hopelessness, helplessness, or feeling like a burden to others. - Warning signs also include talking about death, dying, suicide, or feeling that life is not worth living. - Other signs include withdrawing from friends, family, work, school, or activities a person used to enjoy. - Sudden or significant shifts in mood or behavior can be a concern, especially when several warning signs appear together. - Increased anxiety, agitation, anger, or emotional distress can also signal trouble. - Changes in sleeping or eating patterns may be another clue. - Giving away possessions or putting personal affairs in order can be a warning sign. - Increased use of alcohol or other substances can indicate a problem. - A major loss, relationship change, trauma, or other life event can raise concern. - The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support by phone, text, and online chat. - People can contact 988 for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or concern about someone else. - If there is immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, people should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. - Montesano Psychological Center provides 100% virtual therapy throughout Illinois for adults and teens. - The practice treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, OCD, panic attacks, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges. - Virtual care lets Illinois residents meet with a licensed therapist without traveling to an office. - Therapy is available in English, Spanish, and Hindi. - The practice offers a free 10-minute consultation for people considering therapy. - More information is available at the practice's website or by calling (224) 603-2058.

Between the lines: - The release frames suicide prevention as both a crisis-response issue and an early-intervention issue. - The emphasis on conversation suggests the practice wants more people to treat small changes in behavior as meaningful, not dismiss them. - Virtual and multilingual therapy options may lower barriers for Illinois residents who want care without an in-person visit or in a preferred language.

What's next: - Montesano Psychological Center says conversations about mental health should continue throughout the year, not only during Suicide Prevention Month. - Residents concerned about themselves or someone else are being directed toward 988, 911 in emergencies, or therapy for support before a crisis develops.