LIMA, Ohio – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 13 million Americans considered or attempted suicide in 2023.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and experts say one of the most important aspects of prevention is recognizing warning signs in others. In the United States, 11 people commit suicide on average per day.
Suicide warning signs may include a dramatic change in personality, expressing feelings of burden, hopelessness, or social isolation. Experts believe that noticing these changes may be the right time to initiate a serious conversation to help prevent another death.
“I believe the isolation one is worth paying attention to. With social media, we no longer know what is going on in our family’s lives. So, having a conversation, being frank and honest, and recognizing that if you have someone who is struggling, ask them if they are considering suicide. And that’s a difficult question to ask, but it’s necessary if we want to avoid the next death,” said Rick Skilliter, OCPS, CTR, CCISM, executive director of PASS Lima.
If you are concerned about someone in your life, contact the Suicide and Crisis Line at 988. Trained counselors can connect you to local resources and help you start the conversation.
