Health officials raise awareness on suicide throughout September

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Health officials are raising awareness to lower the risk suicided ahead of Suicide Prevention Month. 

“In our country, suicide is becoming more and more of a concern,” said Kristin Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor at Parkridge. “Obviously, I think that we have a lot of mental health resources specifically in our area, that people could take advantage of as long as they are willing.” 

According to the National Institute of Health, 1 person die from Suicide every 11 minutes. 

Suicide is considered to be one of the top leading causes of deaths in the United States. 

Smith believes folk should take care of their mental health. 

“When we are suffering with mental health issues. a lot of times, we do not view that as important or as sort of more emergent as other health issues, and so we sort of tend to let things get worse over time,” said Smith “As opposed to reaching out and getting the help that is available sooner rather than later.” 

Smith says suicide can be caused by several factors. 

“That could be depression anxiety or more complicated things like post traumatic stress disorder. But, people may have suicidal thoughts over a loss of a job, a loss of a loved one, a death in their life,” said Smith. 

But, Smith says there are helpful resources available in order to prevent suicide. 

“if you are not feeling great, or if you recognize that someone you love is sort of withdrawing from activities they normally like or is not as engaged with you, I would say just have a conversation, just sit down and try to figure out how they are feeling. If they need further assistance you can reach out to Parkridge Valley or other resources to kind of have them talk to a professional,” Smith concluded.