Watch Anderson Cooper’s CNN town hall, “Finding Hope: Battling America’s Suicide Crisis,” an excellent program exploring the risk factors for suicide, ways to reach out for help, and how to aid somebody who may be struggling.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 1-800-273-8255. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress, or for those who are helping a person in crisis.
The recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain prompted a national conversation about suicide. Anderson Cooper’s Town Hall aired Sunday June 24 and featured the following guests who shared their expertise and experience of being touched by suicide:
Anderson Cooper, CNN anchor
Glenn Close and Jessie Close, actor and her sister
David Axelrod, former advisor to President Barack Obama
Karl Rove, former advisor to President George W. Bush
Christine Moutier, chief medical officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Talinda Bennington, widow of Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington, co-founder of 320 Changes Direction
Kirsten Powers, USA Today columnist
Randi Kaye, CNN reporter
Zak Williams, son actor and comedian Robin Williams
Jane Clementi, co-founder Tyler Clementi Foundation
James Hatch, former U.S. Navy SEALs member
Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent.
Jordan Burnham, Active Minds mental health advocate
Dese’Rae L. Stage, artist, public speaker, and suicide prevention activist, creator of Live Through This
[If you or someone you know feels the need to speak with a mental health professional, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741.]
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