It’s Suicide Prevention Week, a national campaign to inform the public about suicide and its warning signs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 45,000 Americans die by suicide every year, and death rates from suicide in the United States have been increasing at an alarming pace, rising from 10.4 to 14.2 per 100,000 people from 2000 to 2018 (an increase of 37 percent).

Suicide has killed more than 700,000 people since 2000 — more lives than the national opioid epidemic during the same time period.

Early evidence from several recent national polls suggests that the COVID-19 crisis is taking a significant toll on mental health in the United States.

One way we can help lower this statistic is to talk about suicide. Having open conversations about mental health and emotional struggles helps reduce the stigma — which is what prevents a lot of people from seeking the help they need.

Reach out for professional help if you or someone you know is showing any of the following warning signs:

- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

- Talking about being a burden to others

- Giving away prized possessions

- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

- Sleeping too little or too much

- Withdrawing or feeling isolated

- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

- Displaying extreme mood swings.

There are several ways you get help. If you are employed or have insurance, you can call the behavioral health phone number on the back of your health insurance card or see if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program.

You also can call a local counseling office and schedule an urgent appointment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Locally, the Butler County Suicide Coalition meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. at Butler County Human Services. Call 724-284-5114.

It’s up to everyone to learn the warning signs and reach out and help those with suicidal thoughts. And know that you don’t have to cope alone. Talk to a caring professional or join a support group to help you heal and move forward.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, don’t sit idly by.

Do something before it is too late.

— JGG