There were nearly twice as many suicides in the U.S. as homicides, claiming the lives of more than 44,000 people in 2015.

September is a national month for Suicide Prevention Awareness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows suicide was the third leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 14 years old, and the second leading cause for those between 15 and 34 years old. Hillcrest Family Services Program Director Chris Betsworth says there are local resources available to help, including Hillcrest in the Washington County Hospital and Clinics Emergency Room, “Of the folks we see, 70% of them go on to continue services at the mental health center as opposed to having to go to an in-patient hospitalization. And I think that’s just phenomenal, that really shows that when we connect with one another we’re able to serve people locally and avoid placing persons in a more restrictive level of care. We can serve them right here in our community and provide them the help they need.”

Betsworth adds what family members and friends should notice as signals that a loved one may be suicidal, “There’s a lot of different warning signs that can indicate a person is at an increased risk for suicide. Some of the primary ones that I always tell folks to look out for are any time a person is talking about feeling hopeless, if they’re starting to withdraw from friends or from family, if they’re actually talking about having thoughts of hurting themselves or hurting themselves, if they’re increasing their use of alcohol or other substances, these are just a few of the primary warning signs.”

He says it is a difficult topic to discuss, but the best thing to do is to start a conversation, ask that person how they are doing and if they need help. A 24-hour crisis hotline for the region is available for help at 1-877-404-4770 which is connected to local professionals.