Dr. Justin Anyokwu pushes year-round mental health check-ins during Suicide Prevention Month

Avant Interventional Psychiatry is urging Georgians to normalize mental health conversations during September’s Suicide Prevention Month and to watch for warning signs in friends, family and coworkers. The practice says early check-ins and easier access to care can help connect people to support before a crisis escalates.

Why it matters: - Suicide prevention often starts with ordinary conversations, not emergencies. - Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu says people are more likely to seek help when mental health is discussed openly and without stigma. - The message is aimed at Georgians during September, but the practice wants the habit to continue all year.

What happened: - Dr. Anyokwu, Medical Director of Avant Interventional Psychiatry, urged Georgians to make mental health conversations a priority during Suicide Prevention Month. - Avant Interventional Psychiatry is encouraging staff, patients and community partners to normalize talk about mental health throughout September. - The practice is also reminding families, friends and coworkers to check in when someone’s behavior changes. - Dr. Anyokwu said a simple conversation or check-in can help someone realize they do not have to face a hard time alone.

The details: - Warning signs can include mood or behavior changes, increased isolation, hopelessness, major changes in sleep or daily routines, and withdrawal from activities or relationships. - Dr. Anyokwu said mental health concerns can affect people of every age and background. - Dr. Anyokwu said seeking professional support should be treated with the same urgency as care for physical health concerns. - Avant Interventional Psychiatry provides psychiatric and behavioral health services for adults, children and adolescents throughout Georgia. - Services include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, interventional psychiatry, psychotherapy, telepsychiatry and other treatment options tailored to patient needs. - The practice works with physicians, therapists, schools, families and community organizations to connect people with mental health resources. - If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988. - More information is available here, and the practice can also be reached at 770-694-6349. - Avant Interventional Psychiatry says it serves multiple metro Atlanta locations and offers virtual care throughout Georgia.

Between the lines: - The campaign reflects a broader push to move mental health support upstream, before a crisis becomes severe. - By highlighting everyday warning signs and normalizing check-ins, the practice is trying to make prevention feel practical for non-clinicians. - The emphasis on year-round awareness suggests Suicide Prevention Month is being used as a launch point, not a one-time campaign.

What's next: - Dr. Anyokwu wants the conversation to continue beyond September. - Avant Interventional Psychiatry plans to keep promoting awareness and access to care through its network of patients, families and community partners. - The practice is encouraging Georgians to treat mental health check-ins as a regular part of community life, not an annual observance.

The bottom line: - A small check-in can be the first step toward getting someone help.