David Jenkins: Month aims to raise suicide awareness and prevention

There is nothing worse than being told that a friend or relative has committed suicide. I have experienced this more than once and it leaves you feeling hollow with many different questions.

Most people have had a friend or family member or acquaintance they have lost to suicide. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in 2016, with 45,000 taking their own lives. Not cries for attention, but actual suicide.

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and is as good of time as any to learn what we can about noticing the warning signs for those people battling depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.

While the number of suicides continues to increase across the country, the stigma of having a mental health disorder is still an issue. Many who need help are afraid to admit they are depressed or having suicidal thoughts for the stigma that it may have. 

One of the many questions I’ve had when I’ve been told a friend had committed suicide was if there was something I missed. Did that person show signs of needing help? Sometimes there are warning signs, like: talking about wanting to die or kill oneself; looking for a way to kill oneself, like looking online for materials or means; talking about hopeless feelings or having no reason to live; talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others; increased use of alcohol or drugs; behaving recklessly; sleeping too much or too little; withdrawing; showing rage or talking about seeking revenge or displaying extreme mood swings.

These are just some of the warning signs and if you have a friend or family member that are showing some of these, please reach out. Ask if they are OK. Ask if you can help in any way. Suggest counseling. Bootheel Counseling has a 24-hour Mental Health Crisis and Referral Line (1-800-356-5395) that someone suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts can call. 

It is important that those suffering with suicidal thoughts realize there is help out there. On Thursday at 5:15 p.m. at the Sikeston Recreation Complex, there is a Suicide Remembrance and Prevention Walk. It will serve as a time to remember those lost to suicide but also serve as a chance to be educated on suicide and the warning signs. I encourage everyone who can to take part in the event. It will only last about an hour but what you learn could be exactly what you need later to help someone who may be having suicidal thoughts. Because I can attest you never want to find out a friend or loved one has taken their own life.

David Jenkins is co-editor of the Standard Democrat.