Content Warning: This article discusses suicide. Please return to the homepage if you are not comfortable with the topic. If you are in distress and need someone to talk to, please call 988, text HELLO to 741741, or visit the crisis hotline’s website.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It is officially National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Williamson County after commissioners proclaimed it Tuesday during its meeting.
“Warning signs of suicide can include prolonged sadness or withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness or being trapped, dramatic mood swings, increased use of drugs or alcohol or reckless behavior,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said in a county news release. “Open and honest conversations with friends and loved ones can make a difference. Asking directly if someone is planning to harm themselves can help save a life.”
According to Williamson County, suicide “is recognized as a public health problem and is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States.” For age groups 10-14, it is “the second leading cause of death,” as well as the “third leading cause of death” for age groups 15-24.
“In Texas, 4,368 people died by suicide in 2022, representing a Texan losing their life approximately every two hours,” the release said.
Williamson County also provided the following resources for those in need:
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support by dialing 9-8-8.
- Bluebonnet Trails operates 24/7 via its Crisis Hotline at 1-800-841-1255.
For anyone who is in an immediate crisis is urged to call 911 and ask for “connection to local mental health resources,” the county said.
“Mental health conditions can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background, but suicide is preventable,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles in the release. “Trust your instincts. If you sense something might be wrong with a loved one, don’t hesitate, call 9-1-1 and get professional help. Early intervention can save lives.”
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