• 66°
franklin county times

September brings mental health to forefront

With this month being dubbed National Suicide Prevention Month, now is a great time to take stock of your mental health and wellness.

According to the Alabama Department of Mental Health, suicidal thoughts can arise in anyone, regardless of age, gender or social condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among all ages in the U.S. and the second most common cause of death among young adults ages 10-34. Alabama had 821 reported suicides in 2021.

As the ADMH encourages, suicide is completely preventable, and we can all help minimize suicide in our community by recognizing the warning signs, discussing our thoughts, encouraging prevention and resilience, eliminating stigma and committing to social change.

With this in mind, we wanted to encourage you to take some time this month to carefully consider your mental wellbeing and maybe check in with your loved ones.

Of course, not every bad mood or down day is an indicator that someone is approaching a suicidal state, and we would never want to imply that. But as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline explains, individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment. If you think someone in your circle of influence is exhibiting concerning signs, it can’t hurt to approach them with compassion and offer an ear or shoulder.

The National Institute of Mental Health shares the following warning signs that someone might be at immediate risk for attempting suicide:

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
  • Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Giving away important possessions
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family
  • Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
  • Talking or thinking about death often
  • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
  • Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
  • Using alcohol or drugs more often
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

If you yourself are feeling emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts or think your mental state might be tending that direction, please, please reach out for help. Don’t wait, and don’t keep it to yourself. You are not alone, and there are people who care about you. If you don’t feel you can talk to someone you know, for free confidential support 24/7, call or text 988 to be connected to a trained counselor.

Features

Third generation stonecutter takes pride in continuing legacy

Franklin County

Meet current group of Franklin County Junior Leaders

Franklin County

State issues fire alert

Galleries

PHOTOS: Roxy holds cruise-in events in downtown Russellville

Galleries

PHOTOS: Tharptown senior homecoming representatives take court

News

Phil Campbell, Red Bay FFA place at North Alabama State Fair

News

BTCPA announces auditions for first production of season

News

RCS Education Foundation honors excellence

News

Downtown Russellville Collective receives grant to further efforts

Franklin County

NWSCC sees fall enrollment continue to rise

News

AlmostBama show raises money for Place of Grace Sept. 23

News

Roxy holds Cruise-In

Franklin County

Political announcement: Doug Aaron announces run for county commission seat 


Franklin County

TVA plans to invest $15 billion over next three years

Franklin County

Alabama Young Farmers vie for top titles

News

RHS ranks 18th on best Alabama high schools list

News

Downtown Russellville Collective receives statewide recognition at Main Street Alabama conference

Franklin County

PHOTOS: Franklin County celebrates Watermelon Festival

Franklin County

Chamber names watermelon winners

Franklin County

NWSCC hosts Run for Reading 5K, Family Fun Run on Sept. 16

Franklin County

New law prohibits smoking, vaping in vehicles with children

News

Phil Campbell, Tharptown tune-up for openers

Franklin County

PHOTOS: Franklin County Watermelon Festival

Franklin County

Cost-share availability for southern pine beetle prevention 

x