Breaking down the negative suicide stigma
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - While it’s almost the end of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, there are many opportunities to increase awareness within our community of the signs and symptoms of someone struggling with those thoughts.
Suicide can sometimes be a taboo topic, but the best way to break down the negative stigma is to talk about it.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens, according to New Directions Behavioral Health.
They say 80% of teens show warning signs.
Suicide is preventable and there are things you can do to support others.
New Directions say recognizing the risk factors and warning signs of someone struggling with thoughts of suicide can help.
Toro Bourguignon of Amberly's Place expresses how often it is that people don't want to die, but just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“The person may not want to die, they very much may want out of the situation that they’re in and they see no way out," said Bourguignon. "And so, it becomes a “this is the only option” kind of thing and we never want that for anybody.”
Psychiatric nurse practitioner, Gina Botello, for Yuma Regional Behavioral Health says parents should always keep an open ear as teens might not be so direct with what they’re feeling.
“Sometimes they might even start talking more about dying, you know, and sometimes making a simple statement like, ‘Oh I wish I was dead’ or ‘Oh I wish I was not here.’ sometimes we oversee those statements in these young teens when in reality they really do feel that way," said Botello.
Part of breaking down the negative stigma suicide may have for some people is asking uncomfortable questions.
“I think with sometimes we believe ‘Oh man if I ask the question, it’s gonna encourage them to do it or maybe plant the seed’ and that’s a myth," said Bourguignon. "It’s okay to ask, it’s okay to ask because very often it opens the door for dialogue.”
Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows there was a 45% increase in the volume of calls and texts on the suicide hotline, 988, received in August 2022 compared to last year.
Remember, help is available at your disposal.
If you or someone you know is facing thoughts of suicide, reach out to suicide prevention hotlines at 988 or text 741-741.
