(HOWARD, SD) – September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention, remind people that help is available and learn early warning signs.
Traci McDonald, EdD, MS, APRN, CNP, PMHNP-BC, is Horizon’s Director of Behavioral Health.
Suicide remains a significant public health concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48,824 people died by suicide in 2024, making it the 10th-leading cause of death nationwide. While the age-adjusted suicide rate decreased 2.8% from 2023 to 2024, suicide continues to affect individuals, families and communities across the country.
Horizon Health offers a helping hand and listening ear through its 28,000 square-mile footprint via its TeleHome telehealth program. Horizon’s behavioral health services are available to anyone regardless of ability to pay.
“We know the struggles and challenges of everyday life in our rural areas can seem overwhelming,” said Horizon’s Director of Behavioral Health Traci McDonald, EdD, MS, APRN, CNP, PMHNP-BC. “We are here to help patients find a way through the stresses they may be experiencing.”
Knowing the warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide can help friends, family members and others recognize when it is time to seek help. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, warning signs may include:
- Talking about wanting to die, feeling great guilt or shame, or being a burden to others
- Feeling empty, hopeless, trapped or without a reason to live
- Experiencing extreme sadness, anxiety, agitation, rage, or unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Making a plan or researching ways to die
- Withdrawing from friends and family, saying goodbye or giving away important possessions
- Taking dangerous risks
- Experiencing extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping significantly more or less
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- These signs can be particularly concerning when they are new or have recently increased.
If someone you love tells you they are considering suicide, take them seriously and don’t leave them alone. Don’t promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret. Help connect the person with immediate support via Horizon Health or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service is available 24 hours per day by calling or texting 988. In a life-threatening emergency call 911.
Listening without judgement, acknowledging what someone is experiencing and helping them connect with support can make a difference. Continue to check in with that person to give them a sense of connection and remind them they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a behavioral health concern, Horizon Health is here to help regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and without a referral. Reach out to our Behavioral Health staff by calling 605-772-4999.