MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention , suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
Dr. John Olsen, a psychiatrist with AltaPointe Health joined News 5’s Shamonee Baker and Bill Riales on the Red Couch on News 5 This Morning to discuss suicide, what signs to watch out for and how to help family and friends thinking about killing themselves.
“Just checking in I think is the most important thing we can do collectively to address this problem of suicide,” Dr. Olsen said, noting that it is a difficult subject to talk about and equating suicide to a heart attack for the brain.
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“It’s as serious as a heart attack and with appropriate measures, we can bring those suicide numbers down,” Dr. Olsen continued.
Those thinking about suicide can call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 to talk with someone 24/7. Resources for people who are thinking about suicide and loved ones of people who died by suicide can also be found on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website .