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Suicide a serious problem that requires discussion, intervention

Abilene Reporter-News (TX) - 9/12/2015

Sept. 12--ABILENE, Texas -- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adults in the United States age 25-34, and is a growing cause of death in Texas for younger people in the 10-13 age range, said Jenny Goode, chief executive officer of Abilene's Betty Hardwick Center.

Such numbers are a "serious concern," and why observations such as National Suicide Prevention Week, which ends Saturday, are vitally important, she said.

"Many of us have someone in our life that we know has either died as a result of suicide or has attempted suicide," she said. "It is challenging because people do not like to about it, but it is really common for people to consider it or think about it."

In fact, almost 16 percent of high school students report having seriously considered suicide, Goode said, a "big number."

"I think we all fear bringing it up for lots of reasons," she said. "I think we still view depression or mental illness, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, kind of negatively. But all of those things have a potential to increase risk factors for people who might be thinking of suicide."

It is important to draw attention to the problem, Goode said, because "there is a lot of hope" for people who are experiencing such problems.

"All of those things have treatment options," she said.

Samantha Manski, executive director of Mental Health America of Abilene, said that people should not be afraid of reaching out for help for a friend or loved one, whether it be through a national or local prevention hotline, asking local authorities for a welfare check, or other options.

"It's important for people to realize even if they're having mental health challenges that there's not much straitjacketing going on anymore," she said. "People get afraid to address their issues or their family's issues because they have a vision in their head (that) their loved one is going to be put in a hospital, drugged and kept there forever."

Mental health professionals and others tend to be much more compassionate, she said, and do their best to treat those suffering with "respect and integrity."

HELP IS AVAILABLE

A variety of resources exist, Manski said. Her organization, reachable at 325-673-2300 , offers a variety of peer-to-peer help and support groups. Though not crisis-oriented, the organization can offer referrals and other valuable information.

The Betty Hardwick Center, 325-690-5100 , regularly offers Mental Health First Aid classes, Goode said, well-suited for lay people.

"We want that course to become as common as the red cross first aid class for physical ailments," she said. "It covers just a wide array of behavioral health crises that people might have. And so we offer that for free because we believe so much in the benefit of it. We want to get that out to as many people as we can."

In addition, the Center offers a 24-7 crisis hotline, 800-758-3344 .

Manski said that for those who prefer it, they can text the word "start" to 741-741 and talk to someone about their issues via text message.

A variety of excellent websites exist, she said, such as Jasonfoundation.com, which examines youth suicide and has resources for teachers, coaches, parents and students.

And even social networking has now become a tool to help others seek help. Facebook, for example, has a way to report a concerning post, indicating someone may need intervention.

Thoughts of suicide often extend from a temporary problem, but to the person affected "it doesn't feel temporary," Manski said.

"The key thing is to take people seriously and be straightforward," she said. "It's uncomfortable, very uncomfortable, but we have to be willing to ask someone: 'Are you thinking of killing yourself?'"

Rather than enticing someone to actually commit suicide, Manski said, such real talk is often a relief.

"But then, the key is not to just dismiss and let it go," she said. "We have to take steps further and find out do they have a plan, are they safe. And (those concerned) need to take action, whether calling a crisis team or getting someone involved that you could call like a counselor on their behalf or family member."

Warning signs

A variety of warning signs may be associated with risk of suicide. The more warning signs a person displays, the greater their risk,

Are they talking about:

* Killing themselves.

* Having no reason to live.

* Being a burden to others.

* Feeling trapped.

* Unbearable pain.

Has their behavior changed? Is it new or increased, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change? Look for:

* Increased use of alcohol or drugs.

The person looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means.

* Reckless actions.

* Withdrawing from activities.

* Isolating themselves from family and friends.

* Sleeping too much or too little.

* Visiting people or calling them to say good-bye.

* Giving away prized possessions.

* Aggression.

Are they displaying any of the following moods?

* Depression.

* Loss

*

of interest.

* Rage.

* Irritability.

* Humiliation.

* Anxiety.

Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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(c)2015 the Abilene Reporter-News (Abilene, Texas)

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