This year, September 5 to 11 was National Suicide Prevention Week.

Dr. Shena Smith is a licensed psychologist and the director of the Horizons Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Clinic. She said suicide is a public health issue.

She said some of the warning signs can include sadness, depression, an increase in anxiety, or agitation.

“There might also be signs of the person talking more about death or killing themselves, so you might hear things like ‘it would be better off if I wasn’t here”. You may hear comments about feeling like a burden, feeling trapped, feeling hopeless,” Dr. Smith said.
 
She said if someone starts to show any of these signs, there are things you can do to help.
 
“One of the biggest ones to do is have a conversation with them,” Dr. Smith said. “So one of the biggest misconceptions about suicide is if you talk to someone about suicide, it’s going to make it worse or it’s going to give them ideas. But actually, being able to talk to someone in a supportive, non-judgemental way, is one of the most helpful things you can do.”
 
There are some resources available as well, including 1-800-273-TALK (8255), which is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.