Suicide rate spike in Missouri acknowledged during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) --  September is acknowledged as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

The month serves as a time to raise awareness, acknowledge those who have been affected by suicide and connect individuals with treatment services.

According to USA Facts, the suicide rate in Missouri has increased by 59.9% over the past 20 years.

Beth Crumpler, a coordinator for integrated behavioral health, said there's a lot reasons for the rise of suicide in Missouri can be due to a lot of reasons.

"A lot of the reason for the increase is due to socioeconomic reasons," she said.  "The economy is not doing so well, especially in our rural areas, mental health issues. There's a limited access to resources in the state of Missouri," Crumpler said.

Crumpler said it's important to bring awareness to suicide because it will help fight the stigma.

"Talking about suicide helps to share the burden that somebody may be going through and can help to give them a resource to not commit suicide," Crumpler said.

Crumpler also mentioned different signs to be aware of to look out for someone who is at risk of committing suicide.

"Previous attempts to suicide, a history of depression, withdrawing from friends if they're given away things that are very important to them, saying their goodbyes," Crumpler said. "Those are all signs to look out for and to be kind of kind of cautious about," she said.

There are many resources to reach out to if someone is considering suicide. Crumpler said 988 is a big and valuable resource to reach out to.

They will come out and see you if that's what you need at the time and talk to you and help you get through wherever you're at, whatever you're going through,  just call 988," she said.