September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

The 8th of September is a nationwide day to remember the importance of 988, the suicide and crisis helpline.

Sharon Wyskiel is one of the hundreds of people who answer calls and texts for the 988 suicide and crisis helpline. She said, "When I get on, it's just to see them as a person. Meet them where they are at. Try to encourage them that everything is going to be okay. 988 is not just for suicide, it is for anything that they are going through."


She has worked with a lot of people struggling, especially with kids getting bullied or feeling like they aren't enough. While she's helping others, she still gets help herself as well. As Wyskiel described, "Sometimes with individuals, if we have to loop in EMS and they have taken means to end their own life, I don't know the outcome. But we also have a great support system and my coach will reach out and we have the opportunity to meet with someone before our shift is over to make sure we are okay."


She said she helps people through texting and mental health professionals said that's becoming more popular. Nina Ferraro, M.S. L.P.C, the Director of Behavioral Health for AHN explained, "So 988 can be utilized whether you are going to text someone or call and directly talk to them, it's a different way of connecting and a different way of sharing your feelings, in a way that you feel comfortable. So if you don't want to call and talk to someone but you feel like you need to connect with someone because you are in crisis, you can text with them or chat with them at any time day or night."


Experts stress if someone is struggling about whether to call or not, it's best to dial or text those three numbers. According to Stacey Buettner, the Program Coordinator for Crisis Services for UPMC Western Behavior Health Safe Harbor, "Sometimes people question whether to call or not. And if you are questioning that, please call. Give it a try, see if it's helpful to your or what kind of support you can receive."


Wyskiel said there's no better feeling than learning she helped someone, "We will get a comment through 988 and they will let us know that they have felt heard and they weren't judged and it was nice that someone felt they really cared."


UPMC Safe Harbor calls Monday a day of action. They are working to light up as many things across Erie in purple for suicide awareness including the Perry Square Fountain and the Bicentennial Tower. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues you can call or text 988.