September is Suicide Prevention Month
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and prevention efforts. In West Virginia, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for those age 10 to 24. West Virginia also ranks 10th in the nation for suicide mortality. 
“Any change of behavior is notable and concerning,” Ja’me Brandish, M.A., WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Healthy Minds licensed psychologist, said.
Suicide warning signs include:
- Talking about suicide
- Talking about being a burden on others
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling like there are no other options
- Withdrawal from social groups or family
- Cutting off all positive supports
“People are afraid to ask the question or to say the wrong thing,” Brandish said. “And everything tells you to ask the question and let them talk and just listen nonjudgmentally. They’re often relieved that someone asked. Talk to them, connect them with resources, be there for them, and reach out after. That’s the most important thing.”
If you are thinking about suicide, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Please reach out to a crisis hotline or mental health professional or go to the emergency department. There is hope, and there is help available.
National resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
Watch a video on suicide prevention at YouTube.com/watch?v=TTBpu0WfTDU.
To learn more about the mental health services available at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, visit RNI.WVUMedicine.org/BMed.