Extension Focus

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team urges people to take part in raising awareness and spreading information and resources.

Starting Sept. 1, the Stress and Resiliency Team is running a Suicide Prevention Month social media campaign showcasing statistics, myth-busting facts and vital resources to help raise awareness and end the stigma.

Suicide is an alarming health crisis across America and an ongoing issue in Kansas. In 2018, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in the State of Kansas, and the suicide rate has increased by 70 percent from 2000 to 2018 (KSDADS, 2020).

Also, in July 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released an alert to notify healthcare providers of increased emergency visits related to female suicide attempts. In July alone, there were 162 suicide-related occurrences among Kansas females (George, 2023).

These eye-opening statistics testify to the importance of observing Suicide Prevention Month and display the urgent need for community action in addressing this health crisis.

Many myths surround suicide, such as the belief that it cannot be prevented. This myth is false. Many suicides can be prevented through asking questions, open conversations, proper mental health treatment and reducing access to fatal means (Heartland Community Health Center, 2022). In challenging myths like this one, we set the stage to look at the signs and symptoms of suicide, a critical part of suicide prevention.

Paying attention to the warning signs of suicide is the first step in saving lives. A few warning signs include, but are not limited to, isolation from others, engaging in risky activities, changes in sleeping or eating habits, giving away personal items for no reason and talking about not wanting to be alive (Sharma, 2022). Upon noticing warning signs, early intervention and support are needed.

Luckily, for those in need of support, there are many resources available:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting with a counselor online by visiting 988lifeline. org/chat.

• NAMI Helpline is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. CST. The helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting “HelpLine” to 62640, or emailing helpline@nami.org.

• Crisis Text Line, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by texting “HOME” to 741741 or by visiting www.crisistextline.org.

Jessica Kootz is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in the Midway Extension District. For more information, email jessicak@ ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension District office at (785) 472-4442 or (785) 4833157.