Consultation visit: Recognizing signs of suicide

When fall arrives, we may think about football, upcoming holidays, or cooler weather. However, for those with mental health issues, getting through the day can be difficult.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Health and Drug Abuse, more than 4% of adults in Oklahoma had serious suicidal thoughts in the past year; one in 10 students reported attempting suicide.

Nationally, September is designated as Suicide Prevention Month, but suicide prevention is important every day of the year. Signs that someone may be considering suicide include:

– Speeches about the desire to die, extreme shame or feeling like a burden.

– Feeling extremely sad, anxious, agitated, or suffering from extreme physical or mental pain.

– Behavioral change such as isolation, taking dangerous risks, and extreme mood swings.

If you notice any of these warning signs in someone, help is available, and together we can help prevent suicide in Oklahoma. If you or someone you know needs help, Call 988 or send an SMS – Oklahoma's Mental Health Lifeline. 988 is a free service that provides immediate support and resources for people with mental health or substance abuse issues.

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but by actively promoting and utilizing resources like 988, we can work together to reduce Oklahoma's suicide rate and ensure people in our community get the care they deserve.

Let's make it a good month!

Todd Hoffman, MD, CPE, is chief physician of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahomaa division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.