LIVE: Tackling the Tough Stuff in Suicide Prevention Month

FARGO — September is Suicide Prevention Month, and local Essentia Health experts want you to check on your loved ones.

There can be signs they’re showing that they may be significantly depressed and thinking about ending their lives.

They include changes in hygiene, eating or sleeping patterns, and withdrawing from social activities or engagement.

They may also display a preoccupation with death.

Essentia’s Dr. Alexandra Kohlhase says watch for questions about whether you’d care for their pets or other dependents if that person wasn’t around in the future.

It can be helpful to tell them you’re worried about them, so you can open the door to a hard but necessary conversation.

Dr. Kohlhase joined the Morning Show for a live in-studio interview about how asking without judging someone and sharing that you’re worried can help you get them the help they need.

There are also events coming up this month like the Out of the Darkness Walk on September 22nd that can help people feel like they have permission to talk about how suicide has touched their lives and connect with others in the same situation.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

And if you’re struggling, call 988 and hit one to talk to someone who can help.

For more information:

https://www.essentiahealth.org/find-facility/behavioral-mental-health-outpatient-essentia-health-south-university-clinic-fargo

https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=10074