In the last 20 years suicide rates have increased by at least 30%, with 45,000 lives lost in 2016 alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics is urging people to learn the warning signs during National Suicide Prevention Month.

Suicide prevention means a great deal to GCH Care Coordinator Addison Enns, who has years of experience working in the mental health field, “Just like other aspects of mental health, it’s really not talked about enough in the public. People tend to be kind of scared to talk about it or embarrassed, shameful. So society has an ongoing need for education and reminders for the signs and risks, as well as the ways we can help a person in need.”

Enns says thoughts and comments of suicide, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with statements like, “I wish I wasn’t here” or “Nothing matters.” Over time those thoughts can lead to increased alcohol and drug use, aggressive behavior, withdrawal from friends, family and community, dramatic mood swings, and impulsive or reckless behavior. If you start to see suicidal behaviors like giving away possessions, collecting and saving pills, or buying a weapon, Enns advises to seek immediate help from a health care provider or call 911. To hear more from Enns, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program on air and at raccoonvalleyradio.com.