Valley Forum: ’Keep Going,’ now more than ever

September is Suicide Prevention Month and it's important that we are there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's theme for the month is to #KeepGoing, by taking simple actions to safeguard our mental health and save lives. From learning the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling, to bringing education programs to your community, we can all learn new ways to help each other save lives.

One action I'm taking is to urge my public officials to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health. When someone is in acute crisis, it's hard for them to think clearly, and even reaching out for help can be a struggle. For this reason, it is vital that Congress pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (HR 4194/S.2661) to make a three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a reality. This legislation will provide the funding and resources needed by crisis centers across the country that support those struggling with their mental health and thoughts of suicide.

Two years ago, I lost someone important to me to suicide. It is devastating and life shattering. Now with the challenges with this coronavirus pandemic, I am worried of the impact on mental health this will have on many people. We need to do something, because silence can be devastating.

In this time of uncertainty, we all need to find new ways to connect and support each other.

Together, we #KeepGoing.

Suicide risk factors

Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life.

Here are a few important risk factors to watch out for, courtesy afsp.org:

Mental health conditions

• Depression

• Substance use problems

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia

• Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships

• Conduct disorder

• Anxiety disorders

• Serious physical health conditions including pain

• Traumatic brain injury

•

History

•Previous suicide attempts

• Family history of suicide

• Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

Suicide warning signs

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

Warning sign: Talk

If a person talks about:

• Killing themselves

• Feeling hopeless

• Having no reason to live

• Being a burden to others

• Feeling trapped

• Unbearable pain

For more information, visit afsp.org.