Suicide experts say help is available
By Kaylie Horrer
Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD – More than 30,000 people in the United States die each year from suicide, and more than 800,000 people attempt suicide.
Suicide is such a big issue – and not just in the United States, but all over the world.
September is Suicide Awareness Month, which gives us a chance to pay attention to the struggle many might be facing alone. People can show support for those facing depression and suicidal thoughts by wearing a yellow or purple and turquoise ribbon or by getting a tattoo of a semicolon.
But one should also be willing to speak up and help those at risk.
Help is available by calling the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English or Spanish.
A suicide prevention website is also available: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
“All calls to the hotline are anonymous up to a point,” said Bill McDonalds, suicide hotline receptionist.
For 70 percent of people who commit suicide, they gave hints beforehand. People with suicidal thoughts think/say things like:
- “Life isn’t worth living.”
- “My family/friends would be better off without me.”
- “Next time I’ll take more pills to do the job right.”
- “I won’t be in your way much longer.”
- “I won’t be a burden much longer.”
- “I’d be better off dead.”
- “I feel like there is no way out.”
To learn more go to http://psychcentral.com.
Women attempt suicide more than men, but men are four times likely to succeed.
If someone is considering suicide, “just listen and encourage them to reach out to the hotline.”
Jordyn Lahey sees suicide as a big issue.
“If a friend or family member is having these kind of problems,(edit A)I would give them the suicide number,” Lahey said.
Johnathan Davis agreed that suicide is a problem and encouraged people to speak up.
“I would tell their and/or my parents,” Davis said.
“I know there’s a lot of help available for suicide,” said Jordyn and Jonathan. (edit A)
McDonalds said that resources are available for those considering suicide, but he worried that “not everyone takes it seriously.”
A lot of people are afraid to say something or think that no one will care if they express suicidal thoughts.
It’s time to step up and start helping.
Kaylie Horrer can be reached at [email protected].