By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Most people assume the top causes of death are all medical conditions like heart disease, cancer and stroke. But suicide consistently ranks alongside them and is, therefore, treated as a major public health priority.
It’s also preventable, leading the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, government agencies, healthcare providers and other nonprofit organizations to observe September as Suicide Prevention Month. The goal is to annually emphasize awareness, early intervention and community support.
“Last year, we provided 5,330 individuals with suicide assessments, and 2,213 accepted follow-up calls from our professionally trained care coordinators” said Clara Reynolds, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay CEO. “We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year through our 988 line.
“Many think suicide is a selfish act,” she continued. “People contemplating suicide truly believe they’re a burden, that the world would be better off without them.
They feel totally isolated and don’t see any end to their pain. We want them to know they’re not alone.”
It’s also a misconception to think once someone is intent on suicide, there’s no stopping them.
“They’re struggling and they want to be noticed,” Reynolds said. “We let them talk and we listen. Hearing another human being acknowledge their pain and suffering ignites a small spark of hope.”
We can all play a role in prevention. Recognizing the warning signs of suicide and starting a conversation also can offer that hope Reynolds alluded to — and help save a life.
Suicide affects people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances, which makes awareness and early intervention essential. There are generally three categories of warning signs: psychological, behavioral and situational.
Psychological warning signs include depression, hopelessness, extreme mood changes or feeling like a burden or disconnected. Behavioral warning signs include prior attempts, verbal expressions of intent, withdrawal from routines, changes in sleep or eating, giving away possessions, risk taking behavior or increased substance use. Situational warning signs often follow major losses, trauma, abuse, legal or financial trouble, declining health or prolonged isolation, especially when paired with a family history of suicide or violence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988. Crisis Center of Tampa Bay specialists are standing by around the clock to listen without judgement or blame and calmly lift callers safely from moments of despair.
“The hardest part is picking up the phone,” Reynolds said.
For more information, visit crisiscenter.com or cdc.gov/suicide/.