The Jessamine County Health Department wants everyone to know that the week of Sept. 10 through Sept. 16 is National Suicide Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Take a Minute, Save a Life”.

According to the JCHD, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with one suicide occurring on average every 11.9 minutes. It’s estimated that more than 5 million people in the United States have been directly affected by a suicide. In 2015, Kentucky ranked 16th in the nation in its rate of suicide deaths and a 2016 survey found that 8.2 percent of Kentucky’s high-school sophomores – about one in 12 – said they had attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.

Experts believe that most suicidal individuals do not want to die. They just want to end the pain they are experiencing. Experts also know that suicidal crises tend to be brief. When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved.

Some warning signs may help determine if you or a loved one are at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

Common warning signs include talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves, feeling hopeless or having no reason to live, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, talking about being a burden to others, increasing the use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing or isolating themselves and behaving recklessly, having rage, or seeking revenge

The JCHD has resources and support for suicide prevention. Anyone who is experiencing or witnessing warning signs of suicide is encouraged to seek help as soon as possible by contacting a local mental health provider or by calling 1-800- 273- TALK (8255) to find out what local resources are available in our area.

For more information on suicide, please visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.