Kansans are dying by suicide at increasing rates. 477 people died by suicide in 2015. 512 in 2016. 544 in 2017. Suicide is now the eighth leading cause of death in Kansas, up from 10th, and is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24 and those aged 25-44.
Luckily, suicide is preventable. The cause of suicide is complex, but there are warning signs that can help you know that help is needed. Warning signs sound like talking about feeling stuck, being a burden on others, or having no purpose. Warning signs look like increased alcohol and drug use, isolation, giving away cherished items, and visiting others to say goodbye.
If you notice warning signs, have an honest conversation with them. Talk to them in private and listen to their story. Share your concern for them and ask directly if they have thought about suicide. A common misunderstanding is that talking about suicide will encourage someone who was not considering it.
In fact, many people have been saved because someone took the time to ask directly. Encourage them to seek treatment from a mental health provider or to talk with their doctor. Avoid debating with them or minimizing their problems. If they say that they are considering suicide, take them seriously and stay with them. Remove items that may cause harm and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). You can also get help by texting TALK to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor any time of day. The most important thing is letting them know that they are not alone.
If you are noticing the warning signs in yourself, reach out to a trusted person who can help you. Mental health needs are not a sign of weakness or an indication of your worth as a human being. Mental health needs are as important as other health needs, and sometimes we need others to support us when we may not be able to help ourselves.
We can prevent suicide by teaching about the resources available and by breaking the stigma that surrounds mental illness. The Hays Area Out of the Darkness Walk on Sept. 14 will do both. The Hays Area Walk will share information about warning signs and ways to support others, while also bringing the conversation into the light and letting people know that talking about suicide is the only way to reduce suicide.
Registration will start at 1 p.m. in Municipal Park and the walk will start at 2 p.m. If you are interested in walking, volunteering or donating, go to www.afsp.org/Hays.
I walk to shine a light on a topic that is often misunderstood. I walk to show others that mental health is health. I walk because of my own history of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. In adolescence, I battled depression accompanied by non-suicidal self-injury. As an adult, my battle has continued. Only when I was willing to seek help from a mental health professional was I able to regain control. I hope my efforts will help others get the help they need. Sign up today and join me to reduce the impact of suicide in our communities.
Kyle Carlin, Hays