The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Castle Country Radio would like to do their part in bringing awareness to the problem of suicide by promoting prevention. For the entire month of September, Sabrina Carter with Positive Pathways will visit the studios each week to speak on this serious problem and how each one of us can play a role in preventing suicide.

“It’s taboo in our culture to talk about suicide. So, I think the more we get it out in the open, the better the community is as a whole,” stated Carter. Carbon and Emery county combined make up a population of 30,000 and in 2017 alone, there were 17 deaths by suicide. It’s time to come together, educate ourselves about the greatness of the problem that has taken so many lives from our area.

The first step for the community is to know how to properly refer to suicide. Suicide is not a crime, so the phrase of “committed suicide” needs to be eliminated completely. This has a huge part in how people view suicide and most definitely has a strong impact on the survivors of suicide; survivors meaning those left behind and those who have attempted.

There are some characteristics or symptoms that an individual may show if they are contemplating suicide. “They may talk about wanting to die, that is an indicator. They may feel empty on the inside, they may feel hopeless, they may feel worthless, they might start giving away their belongings, they might start saying goodbye to friends and family so those are the thing you want to look for,” explained Carter. Also, on the list of warning signs could be an individual losing interest in activities that they enjoyed, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing or isolation themselves, increase of the use of alcohol or drugs.

The National Institute of Health has shared strategies to help a loved one who may be contemplating suicide. “The first is to ask, ask the individual if they feel like harming themselves. That is the most uncomfortable question, right? But it’s actually the most effective. If we could just get over that roadblock, I think you would see some of our numbers improve in terms of the suicide rate down here,” said Carter. The second thing is to keep them safe, remove any lethal means such as guns, pills, knives. The third thing is to be there without judgment individuals are more likely to feel less suicidal. Next would be to help them find resources and reach out to individuals for support and safety. Keep in contact with your loved one, be supportive, keep ongoing communication with them.

The more the subject of suicide is talked about the more those struggling with any mental health issue will not have to feel silenced or ashamed. We can all do our part in helping stop the stigma and help save lives being lost to suicide.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).