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September is Suicide Awareness Month

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  This month is suicide prevention month and the Oneida County Health Department is sharing tips to prevent the increasing death rates. Intern Christie Oestreich says suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens, and is the tenth leading cause for adults. She says, on average, nearly 700 people die in Wisconsin each year.  The warning signs can be hard to pinpoint, but she says they are identifiable.  

“…being hopeless or trapped, if they’re being a burden, increasing alcohol use or drugs, acting withdrawn or very different than how they normally act. This is also associated to look for these signs in maybe someone who has experienced a huge life change…”

Oestreich says the best way to prevent someone from committing suicide is to offer support.

“Speak up and say something. I know a lot of people think they shouldn’t, like they could be giving them the idea, but that’s the number one thing you can do. Get the elephant out of the room and let them know you’re there so they can talk to you and come to you with this issue.”

A crisis hotline is available 24/7. For more information visit the Oneida County Health Department’s website at oneidacountypublichealth.org.

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