People are talking and writing more about suicide lately because of the suicidal death of some well-known public figures. Suicide is not uncommon. According to the World Health Organization someone takes their own life every 30 seconds. So why is this something we don’t talk about until it happens to a public figure or someone we know personally?

Often when a person commits suicide, their family and friends had no idea they were planning this. And many people experience depression and even have some suicidal thoughts but have no intention of harming themselves.

Some warning signs that someone may be planning suicide are: Talking about feeling hopeless or helpless, talking about feeling trapped, withdrawing/feeling isolated, mood swings, talking about wanting to die, talking about being a burden to others, increased alcohol or drug use. These are only a few of the symptoms that might be observed. And sometimes there are few, or even no symptoms that someone is suicidal. There have been many reports of people seeming to feel better in the days leading up to their death, because they feel relieved that their emotional pain will end soon.

If you suspect that a friend or family member is actively in danger of harming themselves then call 911 or take them to the ER. If you aren’t certain but have concerns, go ahead and ask the person how they are doing. Ask them if they’ve had thoughts or even have a plan for how they will harm themselves. This may be a difficult conversation, but it may be the most important one you ever have.

Help is available from mental health agencies, primary care providers, psychiatrists, and counselors.

Gayla Partin, LISW-CP, Counseling Sumter, LLC, 8-11-2018