LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – September marked the start of National Suicide Prevention Month and 10/11 spoke to local Bryan Health doctors about the importance of raising awareness of the signs of suicide.
According to doctors at Bryan Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 15 and 24 and the tenth leading cause of death for all ages. Doctors say that 90 percent of all suicides have a diagnosable mental illness, and all of them can be prevented.
“Suicide is stigmatized and people are afraid to talk about it because they think it will create more problems, that it will create more problems for someone contemplating suicide, and that is absolutely wrong,” Director of Behavioral Health, Dave said Miers. “The best we can do is talk about suicide. Someone who has thoughts of suicide and thinks about suicide, what they want and need, should talk about it. They want someone to ask them about it and get it out there, ”he added.
Doctors said that when approaching someone who is contemplating committing suicide, it is best to read up on the resources available and just listen.
One of the main focuses for doctors is getting to the point where people know that mental health is no different from physical health. Untreated mental illness can lead to other problems, including thoughts of suicide.
“The message is that there is hope, there is help, there is healing,” Miers said having these thoughts. Knowing that you are not alone and knowing that resources are available. “
Doctors explain that talking about suicide and helping overcome the mental health stigma can ultimately save a life.
One of the unique resources Bryan Health offers is a mental illness emergency room for anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide. 1-800-273-8255 is the number for the 24/7 National Suicide Helpline that instantly connects you to the people and resources in your area.
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