Local resources available to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts

By Ashley Luthans

Since 2003, Sept. 10 has been recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day.

Suicide is an international problem, claiming the lives of over 700,000 people every year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2022, equaling one death every 11 minutes.

In 2022 alone, an estimated 13.2 million people in the United States seriously thought about suicide, 3.8 million made a plan for suicide and 1.6 million attempted suicide, according to CDC data.

There is also a large disparity when it comes to gender. Suicide rates in men were four times higher than in women in 2022, CDC data showed.

Help is available to those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Many organizations in St. Joseph assist with mental health, including Family Guidance Center.

Co-CEO Kristina Hannon uplifted 988, which is a 24-hour suicide and crisis hotline that can be called or texted.

“So, one of the things people don’t know about Family Guidance Center is that we have a 24/7/365 mobile crisis response team,” Hannon said. “So we have individuals like myself who are mental health professionals, so typically master’s degrees in social work, psychology, clinically-licensed individuals; people who are licensed counselors, licensed clinical social workers who are available 24/7/365. And you can reach those individuals by calling 988.”

For students enrolled in at least one credit hour at Missouri Western State University, the Counseling Center is a free, available resource.

Katie Miron is the director of counseling at Missouri Western and said those worried about their own mental health or someone else’s should seek help.

“So, a lot of times if you’re worried about someone, we say ask them what’s going on, how are you doing,” Miron said. “The biggest thing people can do: Check in with your friends, check in with your family. You know, that’s part of the cycle of breaking the stigma that is around suicide and mental health awareness.”

Miron said it’s important to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

“You know, if we are not talking about this, people are suffering in silence,” Miron said. “We shouldn’t suffer in silence anymore. Reach out to friends, reach out to family. There are people that care.”