It’s Suicide Prevention Month: Know that everyone’s worth it

Suicide rates in the U.S. are the highest they’ve been in more than 30 years, claiming some 42,000 lives annually.

Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

Suicide is the 12th-leading cause of death in Texas, with eight people taking their lives daily. The annual rate is double the number who die each year by homicide.

In concern with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it’s imperative that we work together to change the conversations and attitudes about suicide and mental illness and stop saying, “I never thought …”

There are no easy answers to why people choose to die by suicide. Most often, suicide occurs when consistent pain and stress exceed the coping abilities of those suffering from a mental health condition — especially depression.

Recent studies prove that feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and disappointment also push people over the edge.

Imagine being in a pitch-black room. You can’t find the key to get out, and you feel trapped — physically and emotionally.

Each second feels like a century of endless suffering. Eventually, a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness takes over, and you believe that others will be better off without you.

That’s what intense depression feels like for many people and what could be the breaking point to end their tormenting pain.

Although suicide can be impulsive and difficult to predict, people often change the way they behave and talk before harming themselves, especially following a major loss or painful or traumatic event.

Watch for increasing alcohol and drug use, sleeping more and less than normal, withdrawing from pleasurable activities and hobbies, saying good-byes, giving away possessions and researching ways to end life.

Listen for expressions related to feeling like a burden, experiencing extreme pain and suffering, believing there’s no longer a purpose or reason to live and even thinking about ending it all.

When family and friends confide that they want to take their life, don’t judge or condemn. Ask if they have a plan, and seek immediate help from a mental health professional.

Assure them that you’re there to help until the pain is better. Let them know there are other options.

If you do attempt to stop them, they may become angry and aggressive. Don’t take it personally; it’s not about you.

Stay with them and get assistance. Above all, don’t dismiss their cry for help and don’t minimize their pain by telling them to “just get over it.”

Three years ago, Amy Bleuel started Project Semicolon, a nonprofit dedicated to decreasing the stigma associated with depression, self-injury and suicide.

Writers use the semicolon when they choose not to end a sentence but carry on. Project Semicolon supporters display the punctuation mark as a reminder that we are the authors of our own lives and can choose to continue our story.

I encourage you to display your own semicolon during the month of September. I do year-round.

If you’ve lost someone to suicide, know it’s not your fault. It was the overpowering voice of depression and pain.

With appropriate care and treatment, individuals are able to live meaningful and fulfilling lives while managing their mental health conditions.

If you need help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text “help” to 741-741.

You’re worth it.

This story was originally published September 15, 2016 at 5:15 PM with the headline "It’s Suicide Prevention Month: Know that everyone’s worth it."