Suicide Prevention Month: How to check on those around you

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - September is Suicide Prevention Month, dedicated to sharing resources and awareness about suicide and those affected by it.

Suicide prevention can take many forms, including keeping prescriptions and personal firearms in lockboxes.

Dalton Chronister, Zero Suicide Project Director at Centerstone, said asking directly forces a conversation to happen.

“It never hurts to ask directly,” Chronister said. “People sometimes hint that they’re struggling. Sometimes people will come out and say it. But if you ask directly, you force that conversation to happen. Where you’re both letting them know, I care. And I want the honest answer. I want to be able to help you.”

Parents encouraged to talk with teens

Karen Perry helped form the 4Jake organization. She and Jake’s mother created the organization after Jake, a Nixa student, died by suicide.

“You wouldn’t shy away from talking about your kid having the flu or COVID or breaking a leg,” Perry said. “Why are we shying away from conversations about our kids having mental health issues?”

Perry said getting teens to open up takes patience and creativity.

“Going out and having boba together, something that they want to do, but kind of keep them distracted,” Perry said. “So they’re not having those walls up and then just slowly start asking them.”

Warning signs

Warning signs to watch for include:

• An increase in alcohol and drug use
• Aggressive behavior
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Dramatic mood swings
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

Anyone who needs help for themselves or a loved one can call or text 988 anytime to reach a mental health professional.

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.