This episode focuses on why suicide and suicidal thoughts are on the rise during the Covid-19 pandemic and how we can intervene. Dr. Kurt Michael of Appalachian State University, a licensed psychologist and suicide prevention expert, shares how to detect the signs and symptoms of suicide, how we can intervene and what we can expect long term. For more information on Dr. Michael's work you can also read this article, Youth Mental Health in North Carolina: Creative Innovations in Challenging Times.

Dr. Michael provides several very important numbers that listeners can call if they are having suicidal thoughts:

- The 24/7 Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

- The Spanish Speaking Suicide Prevention Lifelife number is 1-800-628-9454

- The Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chatroom link can be found here

- The Suicide Prevention Life number for deaf and hard of here is 1-800-799-4889

- An alternate option for those who prefer to text message can message the Crises Text Line for free 24/7 by texting the word 'HOME' to 741741

In the episode we discuss the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). The link for more information is here.