September is Suicide Prevention Month, but preventing suicide is a community effort all year long. The more we are:

• aware of the signs of suicidal thoughts and planning,

• comfortable talking with one another about suicide, and

• knowledgeable about what we can do if we think someone may be suicidal,

the more effective we can be at lowering the suicide rate and risks in Prowers and surrounding counties.

“Zero Suicide is a framework that believes that one suicide is too many and that suicide is preventable,” said Naomi Fowler, Registered Nurse and Acute Care Services Manager at Prowers Medical Center. “In 2019, we implemented this framework to help educate our team members and create a culture of suicide awareness and response. Data shows that most people who die from suicide had at least one interaction with a healthcare provider within a year of their death.”

Suicidal Thoughts?

Call or Text 988.

Everyone knows 911 is the number to call for most emergencies.

And now there’s 988—the new national number to call for mental-health crises.

If you or someone you know needs support right now, day or night, call or text 988, or start a chat at 988lifeline.org.

Signs of Suicidal Thoughts and Planning

Warning signs that someone may be considering suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die or pain to end.

• Talking about feelings of guilt, shame or being a burden to others.

• Expressing feelings of depression, hopelessness, being trapped or having no reason to live.

• Becoming withdrawn from family and friends.

• Starting to give away belongings.

• Impulsive or reckless behaviors.

• Extreme mood swings.

• Increased use of drugs and alcohol.

Sometimes, after someone has felt unbearable emotional or physical pain, they decide to end their life. After making the decision, some people demonstrate a happier mood and appear to feel better.

In addition, other challenging life circumstances can contribute to suicide risk. These include relationship problems, loss of a job or home, financial problems, legal trouble, health issues, recent traumatic events and easy access to weapons, medications or drugs.

What to Do If You Think Someone May Be Suicidal

“Suicidal thoughts and planning should be treated as an emergency,” Fowler said. “And everyone should recognize that they can play a vital role in saving a life.”

Suicide rates in rural America are almost twice as high as they are in urban areas. Veterans, indigenous people, farmers and LGBTQ+ people are especially at risk. Fowler said that community members should listen, watch for signs and ask questions. “If something seems off or you are concerned that someone may be considering suicide, ask them, ‘Are you thinking of killing yourself?’ It’s OK to be direct. Asking the question will not put the idea into someone’s head if it is already on their mind. People often feel relieved when they know they can talk about their thoughts, feelings and what they are going through. Just by listening, observing and asking, you can save someone’s life.”

If you learn that someone may be suicidal, get them help, Fowler advised. Do not leave them alone. Help them call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911 for transport to the nearest emergency room. Be supportive, and don’t judge them. “Please do not promise them that you’ll keep it a secret. Tell them you care about their safety,” Fowler added. “Suicide prevention education and culture change are essential in our community to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.”

Suicidal Thoughts? Call or Text 988 If you or someone you know needs support right now, day or night, call or text 988, or start a chat at 988lifeline.org. Call 911 if someone’s life is in immediate danger.