Suicide Numbers Alarming - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Suicide Numbers Alarming

The number of people taking their own lives in our region is increasing dramatically.

In fact, local suicide prevention officials say the suicide rate here is well above the national average.

Tonight Shaun Sipma looks into the issue and what you can do to help save someone's life.

The end of all ends, suicide.

The number of people taking their life is increasing dramatically in our area.

(Dr. Bob Edwards, Psychologist - Upward Living, Minot) "In the last five or six weeks, we've had several in fact we've had many.

Dr. Bob Edwards says following last years natural disaster - in the Mouse River Flood, he's seen what can be described as post traumatic flood syndrome in many people.

But the that's just part of the picture.

Economic Stress, health, cyberbullying and life in general are all key factors in suicides and Edwards says the spike in the number has him deeply concerned.

(Dr. Bob Edwards, Psychologist - Upward Living, Minot) "Depression is the number one cause of suicide. Look for depression in others. What is that? It's a behavior that is different from what they normally are last for a period of a couple of weeks."

Edwards says suicide is 100% preventable, but it takes the courage to ask one question.

(Dr. Bob Edwards, Psychologist - Upward Living, Minot) "Ask the question, are you thinking about suicide. I did that just last week and the police and I reacted to a suicidal gesture and we were able to get that person the help they needed. Simply ask the question are you thinking about suicide."

Edwards says it's a touchy subject, and he says it's better to have a person upset with you for asking, than to have regret over failure to act.

(Dr. Bob Edwards, Psychologist - Upward Living, Minot) "The affect is pure trauma; depression, possible suicidal thoughts ourselves, grief over losing a loved one, they blame themselves. They think I should have been able to do something."

Edwards says people often can't find the courage or strength themselves to reach out to someone who is showing signs of depression and possible heading down the dark road to suicide.

He says with a life possibly hanging in the balance that person must find someone then step up, whether it be a close friend or local help agency.

(Dr. Bob Edwards, Psychologist - Upward Living, Minot) "North Central, the place where I work or Trinity Riverside and but mostly get the question asked."

One question to save a life.

In Minot, Shaun Sipma KX News

Edwards says one in every six people has been affected by suicide.