PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — The South Dakota Department of Social Services has developed a suicide awareness and prevention campaign, BeThe1SD.com, to help decrease the number of suicides in South Dakota.
Since 2004, over 1,700 lives have been lost due to suicide in South Dakota. Those numbers have increased each year, with nearly one in six high school students in the state having suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
Cabinet Secretary Laura Gill, and head of the Department of Social Services, wants to make young people aware that suicide is an issue in South Dakota and that there are ways to reach out to friends who may be contemplating suicide.
“Most people are uncomfortable approaching the topic of suicide, especially with their friends, and BeThe1SD has action steps to take to start that conversation. First of all, ask the question. It is okay to ask the question are you thinking about suicide.”
Asking in a direct, non-judgmental manner can open the door to further conversation.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in South Dakota.
“We want to get that statistic going in the other direction,” says Gill. “Young people need to be there for their friend. Either in person or by phone. And you need to listen. Sometimes that will make the difference and change someone’s mind, knowing that someone is listening and not judging them.”
There are a number of ways to reach out for help. BeThe1SD.com online, calling the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK or by texting the Crisis Line at 741741.
“Every kid is different so you need a variety of mediums. Some want to talk to someone and some do not want to talk to anyone,” according to Gill.
To learn more about suicide, the warning signs, and how to get help visit BeThe1SD.com.
