Suicide Prevention Month lasts all of September, but with the month coming to an end, it’s still important to ensure those in need know the services available to them and that they’re not alone.
Among the agencies providing services locally is CrossWinds Counseling & Wellness. On KVOE’s Morning Show this week, CrossWinds CEO Amanda Cunningham said suicide nowadays is more socially acknowledged, but it’s important to remember anyone can be suffering from its tendencies.
Resources like CrossWinds may be plentiful, but getting your foot in the door is the first step. A step that many who need to take it, have trouble doing on their own. Cunningham reminds and encourages people to have those conversations with their friends and family.
While some people may exhibit distinctive suicidal tendencies, such as:
- Changes in behavior, appetite, appearance.
- Abnormal tardiness to work or events.
- Sleeping too much or too little.
- ‘Getting their affairs in order.’
- Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Discussions of death or the afterlife.
This is something very difficult to pinpoint in many people, and oftentimes your intuition can detect acute symptoms of suicidal risk in someone close to you. If you suspect someone is suffering against what they may tell you, Cunningham encourages persistence.
CrossWinds offers services for all walks of life. For more information, visit their website at crosswindsks.org or call (620) 343-2211.
If you or someone you know is going through a suicidal crisis, please call the 24 hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. They offer free and confidential emotional support as well as referrals to available crisis resources.
