Special to the Times Vedette
September is suicide prevention month. Suicide is serious. Are you prepared to have a conversation with someone about suicide? In the United States, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10-24, and the 11th leading cause of death overall. One in 20 U.S. adults (5%) have serious thoughts of suicide each year. Despite these statistics, suicide is still met with silence, stigma or shame. You don’t have to be a therapist to offer help. Here are some tips to guide you in a conversation about suicide.
- Tune-in; really listen to their thoughts, feelings and troubles. Encourage them to tell you more.
- Repeat back to them what you are hearing and ask if they are considering suicide.
- Let them know that suicide is serious and that you would like to help them.
- Connect them to someone who can help; Your Life Iowa, 988, or a local provider in your area.
Most often people don’t talk about their suicidal thoughts because of stigma and shame. They fear they will be unsupported if they say something and are afraid of what others may think of them. Start a conversation if you think someone is considering suicide. You’re simply opening the door to a conversation, not creating a new idea. You can help save their life.
If you or a loved one have been having suicidal thoughts, reach out to Your Life Iowa for free, confidential support. New Opportunities, Inc. is part of the Iowa Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Service System with services funded by the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG). For more information on suicide, please visit the Your Life Iowa website at yourlifeiowa.org or contact New Opportunities, Behavioral Health Department for Mental Health counseling at 712-792-9266.