According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one death by suicide occurs every 11 minutes minutes in the United States. Suicide is also preventable, because no matter how dark a situation may seem, there is always hope.

Jason Bombard, DO, psychiatrist and Specialty Medical Director – Behavioral Health for Aspirus, said suicide is preventable and it does not require special training to help a loved on in a meaningful way.

“Everyone can play a role by learning to recognize the warning signs, showing compassion, and offering support to someone who may be going through a difficult time,” said Bombard. “It is important to know that it is a dangerous myth that talking about suicide could make someone more at risk. Silence is deadly and being uncomfortable about a topic should not stop you from talking to a loved one about their feelings. It could truly save their lives.”

If someone is at risk for suicide, watch for warning signs, including:

• Talking about being a burden;

• Being isolated;

• Increased anxiety;

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain;

• Increased substance use;

• Looking for a way to access lethal means;

• Increased anger or rage;

• Extreme mood swings;

• Expressing hopelessness;

• Sleeping too little or too much;

• Talking or posting about wanting to die;

• Making plans for suicide;

Suicide, Bombard said, is one of the biggest problems facing people today, especially in this area.

“I don’t know anybody who hasn’t somehow been effected by suicide,” he said, “whether it’s somebody they care about or somebody they know — everyone has had some connection to suicide.”

Bombard said speaking of statistics, at least 75% of the people who do attempt suicide have actually talked with somebody in the month or so prior to actually going through an attempt.

“People do reach out,” he said, “people do want to get help.”

The vast majority of people who attempt to, or do commit suicide have tried to get someone to listen to them at some point, Bombard said.

“I think because of the level of discomfort, because of the not wanting to discuss these kinds of things — things that are not easy to discuss,” he said, “people will just try to brush it off or say ‘it’s gonna be fine,’ or ‘don’t worry about it.'”

If somebody says that they are thinking about hurting themselves, that’s a serious cry for help, said Bombard.

“And it takes a lot to get somebody to the point where they would reach out that way,” he said, “and you need to take that seriously.”

Offer to get them help, Bombard suggests. Offer to bring them somewhere.

“If they don’t want you to do that, then insist that you do,” he added.

Bombard said one of the things he tells people quite frequently is:

“Even if somebody gets mad at you for forcing them to get help, you have a lifetime to apologize to them. If you don’t get somebody help and something happens, all you’ve got is a lifetime to regret not having done something.”

That’s a terrible way to feel, he said, to lose somebody and feel like maybe you could have done something.

For anyone thinking about self-harm or suicide, Bombard offers serious suggestions:

“If you’re unsure, a medical health professional can help assess,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s okay, and necessary, to talk about suicide. Having suicidal thoughts can be frightening, but it’s important to know that they are a symptom just like any other. They can be treated, and they can improve over time.”

People in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know someone in crisis, can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Call or text 988 or use the chat at 988lifeline.org. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.