North Carolina records more than 1,000 deaths as a result of suicide each year and more than 14,000 people are treated or hospitalized for self-inflicted wounds. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults aged 10 to 24 in our state and the U.S.

“Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives,” is the theme of September’s observance of National Suicide Prevention Month. This year’s theme focuses on raising awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.

“Help is available to anyone that may be in crisis,” said Courtney Cantrell, Director of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services. “If you are having suicidal thoughts or you know someone who is having thoughts of hurting themselves or others, it is imperative that you reach out for help.”

Crisis solutions available in your community can be found at www.crisissolutionsnc.org. DHHS also supports www.itsok2ask.com, specifically designed to share information with youth about suicide prevention and reduce the stigma of mental health disorders.

Support for survivors of suicide is available at www.trianglesos.com or afsp.org/local-chapters/find-your-local-chapter/afsp-north-carolina .

The following are warning signs that a person may display that indicate a possible risk for suicide. The more warning signs displayed, the greater the risk. Warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or to take their life.
• Looking for a way to take their life, such as searching online or buying a gun.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Giving away possessions.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawal or isolation from others.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.
• Talking about being tired; extremely fatigued with life or life events.

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, free and confidential support is available from trained professionals through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You may also learn about suicide prevention at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Help is available on a wide range of issues including substance use disorders, economic worries, relationship and family problems, sexual orientation, illness, trauma from abuse, bullying, depression, mental and physical illness and loneliness.

- Dan Guy, Scott Coleman