Health Topics

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Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a major concern in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 10–64 and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10–14 and 25–34. The positive news is that with the right information and willingness to reach out to someone in need, we all can help prevent suicide.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Hometown Health Blog

8 common myths about suicide

Suicide is a growing public health crisis. An important step in prevention is to dispel myths that affect public perception. Get the facts on these 8 common myths about suicide.

Pravesh Sharma, M.D. By Pravesh Sharma October 11, 2024

Preventing suicide through awareness and intervention

Risk factors don't cause or predict suicide, but identifying risks brings awareness of warning signs. Read four interventions you can do to help someone who is feeling suicidal.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf September 3, 2024

How to talk with someone grieving a suicide loss

Supporting someone who is grieving a loved one's death by suicide can be uncomfortable. Learn how to start and continue compassionate conversations.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf August 28, 2024

5 ways to help teens overcome suicidal thoughts

When life gets challenging, the rates of depression, feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide can increase. Here are five things you can do to help teens overcome suicidal thoughts.

Lisa Hardesty, Ph.D., L.P. By Lisa Hardesty August 31, 2023

College students and depression: A guide for parents

Many college students struggle with depression or anxiety. As school resumes, talk about these conditions with your student, and brush up on symptoms and warning signs so you can step in with help.

Kristen Bowe CNP By Kristen Bowe August 22, 2023

Help! I think my teenager is cutting

Emotional pain almost always is associated with self-harm in teenagers. Read why creating a crisis plan of things to do when in such a frame of mind can be beneficial.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette April 11, 2023

Supporting a loved one experiencing depression

When a friend or family member experiences depression, it's difficult to know what to do or say. Here's how to offer support and understanding, and help your loved one get the resources they need.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf December 16, 2022

Suicide crisis: How to develop your safety plan

A three-digit number — 988 — provides immediate help during a mental health crisis. While the hotline helps those in crisis get support, a crisis safety plan can help identify the warning signs.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette August 2, 2022

Why it's important to support kids who identify as LGBTQ and may be struggling

The teen years are challenging, but for LGBTQ youth, statistics for mental health issues and suicide risk are alarming. Supporting LGBTQ youth who are struggling starts with lending a listening ear.

June 24, 2022

5 things you need to know about mental health and girls

One in 5 adolescents or teens experience a mental disorder each year. For girls, it can be especially challenging. Here's how to positively impact mental health in the girls in your life.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf June 14, 2022

Identifying signs of anxiety and depression

When people struggle to cope with stressful situations, depression and anxiety become more noticeable. Learn how to identify the symptoms, and get coping tips.

Jolene Hanson LICSW By Jolene Hanson May 4, 2022

Suicide isn't always about dying, it may be about perceived relief

People considering suicide often don't want to die. Instead, they are seeking relief from emotional and mental pain. Learn how you can help.

Angela Thoreson, L.I.C.S.W. By Angela Thoreson November 18, 2021