There are local resources for individuals who’ve thought about ending their lives.
Frederick, Md (KM) It’s often very shocking when a family member or friend commits suicide. A lot of times, the loved ones didn’t notice the signs that that people were considering ending their lives.
But the question always comes up why did this person decide to end their own life. Amanda Adams is with Behavioral Health Services which part of the Frederick County Health Department, and the co-leader of the Frederick Suicide Prevention Coalition. She says the reasons for suicides are varied. “It could be related to behavior and mood. The financial loses, and different conflicts in life,”: she says. “It’s really hard to pinpoint one or two specific reasons that someone might consider suicide or follow through with it.”
However, Adams says a person’s mental health needs to be highlighted. “Mental health can affect individuals whether things are going really well, or when things are not going so well. Mental health doesn’t discriminate in that aspect,”: she says.
A report from Behavioral Health Services entitled “Deaths by Suicide in Frederick County” says the number of people who take their own lives have been trending upwards in recent years, but the rate has remained the same.; The report says the highest number of suicides in recent years in Frederick County occurred in 2013 with 37 people taking their own lives with the rate at 15.3 percent. In 2023, 34 people in Frederick County committed suicide which is at a rate of 1.3 percent.
Adams says there are a number of signs you can watch out for that someone close to you is contemplating suicide. “If they’re talking about suicide, of course, or waiting to die or having no reason to live. Those are obviously the very direct conversations. Sometimes they’re talking about unbearable pain or guilt, or feeling trapped,”: she says.
Other signs include giving away items, making a will, or making arrangements of affairs.. These people also are withdrawing or isolating themselves from others, saying goodbye to friends and family members, increasing their use of drugs and alcohol, and taking risks such as driving recklessly.
If you know someone who is acting like this, Adams says ask that person some questions such as “are you thinking of killing yourself? Does it ever get so tough that you think about ending your life? What do you need to feel safe? Those are really important questions, And sometimes individuals feel a little nervous about asking those. But it’s okay to directly ask individuals at that point.”
She also says you need to be there for these individuals who have suicidal thoughts. “You want to continue to be present with them and let them know that you’re listening and that you care,” says Adams. “You want to ensure that it doesn’t sound like you’re passing judgment. And you want to encourage them to keep talking. Of course, give them breaks as needed, and follow their lead.”
There are resources available locally to help those who are considering suicide. They can call 988, a nationwide phone number that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Locally, we do have the Mental Health Association walk-in crisis center which is also open 24-seven. It’s located at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick. Anybody experiencing crisis can walk in there and immediately receive help,”; says Adams.
Frederick County also has a mobile crisis unit. “They can get connected. An individual will connect with the person in crisis or a loved one and either talk through, or come out in person to help alleviate that crisis and get that person to safety,” says Adams.
She says contacting the mobile crisis unit can start with a call to 988.
(Suicide Prevention Coalition website https://health.fredreickcountymd.gov/../suicide)
By Kevin McManus