SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - There's been an increase in the number of suicide deaths in Minnehaha County over the last two months.
President of the Helpline Center, Janet Kittams-Lalley, says typically in January, over the last decade, there's been an average of just under three suicide deaths. But she says in January alone there 9 suicide deaths in the County.
Kittams-Lalley says it pointed the Helpline in the direction that there was a needed to let more people know about the services that anyone can take advantage of by dialing 211, 24 hours a day if they are concerned about themselves or a family member.
She says peak times for suicide deaths vary from year-to-year and there's no typical suicide season but having an increase in January is not usual.
Signs that a friend or loved one may be considering suicide including talking about not wanting to be around any longer or wanting to end their life. She says that's when you should have that courageous conversation and directly ask if they are considering suicide.
She says 211 staff will offer callers support and information about resources and they'll do a suicide risk assessment to determine the level of concern for that person. Kittams-Lalley says from there they'll develop a safety plan with that person to make sure during this time of crisis that they're safe.
If staff believes that the caller is in immediate danger they'll contact local law enforcement to get help as soon as possible.
Kittams-Lalley says there's no apparent connection among these early year suicides, no common thread. She says suicide is a deeply personal condition. She does say that adult women make up the largest statistic when it comes to suicide.