State Marks National Suicide Prevention Week Next Week

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The week of September 5 through September 11 is National Suicide Prevention Week, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is hoping Michiganders reflect on how they can help loved ones who are struggling. Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News talking about suicide is difficult, but important.

“The main thing is we want Michiganders to have open, honest, and direct conversations about suicide,” Sutfin said. “In many cases people think if you talk about suicide or if you ask somebody if they’re thinking about harming themselves, that you will cause them to do so. There is no evidence to support that.”

Sutfin says if you’re too uncomfortable to talk to a loved one you’re worried about, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or have them call.

“The best thing you can do if you feel somebody in your life is contemplating suicide or harming themselves in some way is to simply ask them. Ask them if there is something you can do to help. Ask them if they need help.”

Warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide are if they express feelings of hopelessness, if they talk about hurting themselves, if they show a loss of interest in activities, if they are withdrawn, or if they start talking about being a burden to others. Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in both Michigan and the nation in 2019.

If you are in a crisis, or know someone who needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the MDHHS Suicide Prevention website.