We can all help reduce suicide

A host of experts on the subject of mental illness made it clear at a seminar last week on suicide that St. Tammany Parish is ahead of the curve when it comes to services for those facing difficult futures.
But they also did not mince the truth when making it clear that much more needs to be done. And much of that help can come from you and I.
St. Tammany stepped forward years ago when former Parish Presidents Kevin Davis and Pat Brister both recognized the need for improved mental health services, especially since our parish was among the state leaders in the number of suicides.
A focus on improving those services was started by Davis and a coalition of health care providers, then Brister picked up the ball and led the way for the purchase of the former Southeast Louisiana Mental Health Hospital. Now it is the campus for Safe Haven where there are many different mental health services, including a 24/7 crisis center that had opened in recent months, although now closed for a short time to find a new operator.
The St. Tammany Coroner’s Office and Dr. Chuck Preston have also been among the leaders in pushing for better services, but particularly, to increase awareness about suicide so that anyone could recognize a friend or loved one who may be at risk.
Preston organized a Suicide Symposium last week in the parish, bringing together a host of experts on the subject who acknowledged the good work in St. Tammany, but highlighted enlightening facts about mental illness that made it clear we can still do better.
More than anything it appears increased awareness is of utmost importance. When we all understand, as Dr. Ann Conn explained, that suicide is a result of a mental illness—an actual illness of the brain—it removes the stigma that suicide has had for so long. As Conn explained, it’s not much different than an illness of other organs in our body that lead to cancer or heart disease.
St. Tammany should be commended for the recognition that suicide is an issue that can be reduced—currently we have had an average of 42 suicides a year in the parish for the past decade. That is more than double the number of homicides each year.
Each of us can help by becoming aware of warning signs such as isolation, the idea that someone is a burden to others, hallucinations, and other symptoms that can tell you a friend or loved one needs help. There are many resources online to offer more information.
And thankfully there is help out there. If you are concerned about a friend or family member, you can access a national suicide hotline by calling 800-273-8255. In St. Tammany starting July 16 you can call 988, and you can text “Home” to 741-741 since he said there are more people who will talk by texting.