Suicide numbers are continuing to rise in St. Tammany Parish.

As of Sept. 1, there have been 31 official cases, said James Hartman, spokesperson for the St. Tammany Suicide Task Force and noted speaker on the subject. There were only 33 suicides all last year.

These rising rates have been attributed to a lack of access to mental health care, lack of knowledge regarding mental health treatment options, and stigma concerning mental health disorders. In response to the rising problem, St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis on Aug. 24 sent a letter to Gov. Bobby Jindal requesting $1.5 million for mental health assistance. The money would be used to help the coroner establish a coroner crisis action team with round the clock behavioral assessment and intervention services and a 24-hour hotline. The coroner’s office would also like to establish a behavioral health facility where a person who feels the need could talk to a mental health professional. Part three of the request would provide follow-up services once an individual is stabilized and returns home.

Earlier this summer, Davis was part of a group of mental health professionals and community leaders that gathered to confront the problem and get the word out that help is available for those needing it. This task force has been monitoring the situation closely, but at the end of the initial meeting in June, it was reported that another suicide had taken place in the parish.

Some of the warning signs of suicide include: talking about suicide or wanting to die; experiencing a recent loss, failure, humiliation or conflict; a change in mood, behavior or interests, positive or negative; appears sad, depressed or withdrawn; previous suicide attempts or self-harm; and abuses or increased use of alcohol or drugs, including prescriptions.

If you know someone experiencing any of the above, you should stay calm and listen to their feelings. Ask them if they have any suicidal thoughts or feelings. Take any threats they make seriously and don’t swear to secrecy. Get help – you can’t do it alone. Contact family, friends, counselors or even the hospital emergency room.

“There are any number of proximate causes for suicidal decision-making,” said James Hartman of STOPS. “Job loss, relationship problems, health concerns, and external factors such as natural or man-made disasters can lead to despair. There is also a perception that inadequate mental health resources are available. But suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, and there are places where people can turn for help.”

In response to this potential crisis, Greenbrier Behavioral Healthcare, The National Alliance on Mental Illness St. Tammany and The St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide have joined forces to provide a free community lecture on suicide alertness and safe talk Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Greenbrier Behavioral Healthcare, 201 Greenbrier Blvd., Covington.

The event is opened to the public and will offer information on suicide prevention and suicide alertness for everyone.

RSVP for seating by calling Greenbrier Hospital at 893-2970

This event is being done in conjunction with Suicide Prevention Week, which is Sept. 5-11.

Depression does not have to lead to suicide. If you or a loved one feels hopeless, helpless or trapped, take this opportunity to learn more about the resources available to you.