COLUMBUS — The Wellness Council recently held its monthly meeting focused on suicide prevention as September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Dr.
Robert Katz and primary care nurse manager at the La Grange Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Clinic, Marion Taylor, RN, BSN, gave a presentation on Major Depression Disorder and its symptoms and treatments.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is associated with a 10-year reduction in life expectancy. It is estimated that 21 million adults have at least one major depressive episode. An estimated five million adoles -
cents, aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., with the second leading cause of death among youth. Bringing the suicide statistics closer to home, from the
year 2022 to 2025, the Colorado County Sheriff's Office respond ed to 10 suicide calls, with three of those being teenagers.
According to Colorado County Mental Health Deputy Andrew Lopez, he responded at the be- ginning of this school year to five students in crisis who had plans or were thinking of ending their lives.
Contributing factors to possible suicide are depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, impulsive behaviors, a history of trauma or abuse and several other factors.
What to look for: Physical changes in appearance or hygiene, increased use of drugs or alcohol, sudden drop in grades, social withdrawal, self-harm behaviors, talk of suicide or preoccupation with death and feeling hopeless and researching suicide methods and or acquiring weapons.
If you suspect someone is thinking of suicide, talk to them, really listen to what they are say- ing. Keep a connection with that person and, in an emergency, call 911 or take them to a hospital or crisis center for evaluation.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline operates a suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-2738255 or a local crisis at 988 Sui cide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. If in immediate danger, call 911.
