Bryan Health: knowing the signs someone’s at risk for suicide
There are a lot of resources available in the community.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- Director of Behavioral Health at Bryan Health, Dr. Dave Miers, says suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death between the ages of 15 and 24 in Nebraska.
Even though September is National Suicide Awareness Month, he says we should be taking action and talking about suicide every day.
“We can all make a difference and save lives, and bring that hope and create that community connectedness so that there is hope and healing in our community and connect those with resources,” Dr. Miers said.
According to the CDC, nearly 46,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2020, which is about one death every 11 minutes. There is a stigma around suicide and it is preventable. Dr. Miers says a common myth about suicide is thinking that you can’t talk to the person about it.
“It’s okay to ask that question, Are you doing okay? I am worried about you, have you had thoughts of suicide?” Dr. Miers said.
There is something that all of us can do to take action against suicide, and watching out for these warning signs is a big one:
- verbal suicide expressions (For example: “You would be better without me” or “Maybe I won’t be around”)
- expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
- previous suicide attempts
- risk-taking behavior
- personality changes
- depression
There are a lot of resources available in the community. If someone is having a mental health crisis, they can go to Nebraska’s only dedicated mental health emergency room at Bryan West.
Also, the new 988 number just launched in July; this is a much shorter phone number for the suicide and crisis lifeline.
“Never leave someone alone who talks to you about suicide, it is so important to get them connected to resources right away and that 988 number is very critical,” Dr. Miers said.
