Kaelyn Blessinger
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is one of the leading states in deaths by suicide. According to the CDC, it is the 7th leading cause of death in the state, just below stroke and above Diabetes.
Many mental health resources across the state, and even free hotlines nationwide, are here to support those in need.
“We are helping people at the lowest point when they’re in crisis,” Melissa Thyberg, the Vice President of EIRMC’s Behavioral Health Center, said. “Most of us have had our lives touched by mental health, or know somebody who has died by suicide, and it is critically important to me that we do our very best to support those who are need, that we take this seriously.”
Signs to look out for that someone is considering committing suicide are not uniform and could look very different from person to person. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention listed some characteristics to be on the look out for.
If a person talks about:
Killing themselves
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
Fatigue
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
Depression
Anxiety
Loss of interest
Irritability
Humiliation/Shame
Agitation/Anger
Relief/Sudden Improvement
These are not uniform but if you notice these symptoms in a loved one, don’t hesitate to speak with them about suicidal thoughts.
“Ask somebody if they are having thoughts of suicide,” Thyberg said. “We used to think we shouldn’t talk about suicide because it could increase risk. That is that is not true.”
There are ways for those at risk to get help within their community.
“We’re just one step in that journey for people,” Thyberg said. “We are one part. So making sure that they have the resources in place when they leave our care to be successful. It takes the entire community to support somebody who is at risk for suicide.”
Here is a list of mental health support across the region as well as information on national services, such as the Suicide Hotline.
You can call or text the Suicide Hotline at 988. When you call or text you connect with a free, confidential network of trained crisis counselors who will provide emotional support. These are real, trained people here to support you.
Idaho Falls:
Behavioral Health Center at EIRMC
Community Suicide Prevention
The Behavioral Health and Crisis Center
Pocatello & Blackfoot:
Bingham Crisis Center
High Country Behavioral Health
South East Idaho Behavioral Crisis Center
Jackson:
Mental Health & Recovery Resources
St. Johns Health
Wyoming Department of Health
Rexburg & Rigby:
East Idaho Mental Health
Tuller Counseling Services
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