Suicide awareness is for all

by J. Patrick Reilly

It is alarming to learn that a person dies of suicide on the average of every 11 minutes.  

Along with that, suicide deaths reach over 50,000 per year and millions think about, plan and sometimes attempt suicide.

September is a month set aside to be aware of the heartbreak of suicide so here are some thoughts.

Males, rural residents, and people from some racial/ethnic groups, particularly American Indian/Alaska Native people, are among the groups more greatly affected by suicide.

Where you are born, grow, work, live, and age shapes your health in many ways, including your risk for suicide. There is no one cause for suicide, and there is no single solution. Preventing suicide requires multiple actions.

Signs of suicide include withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will. Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast. Displaying extreme mood swings. Eating or sleeping more or less.

Help is available both locally and nationally.

If you are experiencing stress and/or anxiety, Unified Community Services (Behavioral Health and Crisis Services) are available. The Iowa County 24-hour crisis number is 1-800-362-5717. The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255, or Text HOPELINE to 741741. More information can be found at www.Suicide-SWWI.org.

I doubt anyone reading this has not been touched by a suicide.  It is up to all of us to be there for each other.

Listen, reach out and above all...care.