You can help prevent suicide

It’s an uphill battle east Idaho knows well.

Idaho is consistently ranked in the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention’s top 10 states for suicide rates per capita, with the sixth highest rate in the U.S., according to the most recent ranking in 2015. And the number of suicides in the Gem State is growing.

So what can you do?

Although some individuals show no warning signs, research has shown the best way to prevent suicide is to know the risk factors.

Learn the symptoms of depression and mental disorders, recognize warning signs for suicide, and when possible, intervene before someone can plan or complete any self-harming acts.

The National Institute of Health says those who receive support from family and friends and have access to mental health services are less likely to act on suicidal impulses than those who are socially isolated.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing suicidal thoughts or needs assistance, there are several great resources in east Idaho, including the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline and the Behavioral Health Crisis Center of East Idaho.

Both are available 24 hours a day to offer help at no cost.

The American Psychological Association lists warning signs suicidal persons sometimes show, such as:

• Threatening suicide
• Talking or writing about suicide
• Isolation or withdrawal (from family, friends, activities, etc.)
• Agitation, especially combined with sleeplessness
• Nightmares
• Previous suicide attempts
• Seeking methods to kill oneself
• Feeling hopeless or trapped

If someone exhibits any of these signs, don’t be afraid to ask if they’re depressed or thinking about suicide.

Let them know that severe depression is often temporary and nearly always treatable, that you care and are there to listen to their feelings.

Ask if they are seeing a therapist or taking medication and encourage the person to seek professional help.

If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger of killing themselves:

• Do not leave the person alone. If possible, ask for help from other family members or friends.
• Ask the person to give you any weapons he or she might have. Take away or remove sharp objects or anything else the person could use to hurt themselves.
• If the person is already undergoing psychiatric treatment, help him or her to contact the doctor or therapist for assistance.
• Try to remain calm, and keep the person as calm as possible.
• Call 911 or take the person to an emergency room.

Dr. Jacob Curtis, a board certified family physician with Grand Peaks Medical, emphasized the importance of listening to those with depression with empathy and not to be judgmental. He also said it is important for those struggling with depression to realize how common it is and to be reassured that there is hope from a variety of treatment options.

As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a good time to remember many people struggle with mental health problems at some point in their lives. It is OK to talk about and receive help if you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental illness.