SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — This is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Avera has launched a campaign to raise awareness and highlight the importance of helping those who struggle with thoughts of self-harm.
While things looked good on the outside, Brittany Corcoran struggled with suicidal thoughts.
“She was just the all-American girl, you know? Star athlete, best friend and excellent student. And some of the warning signs were there. But looking back is when you see them the most,” lost daughter to suicide, Angela Drake said.
However, 5 days before her 18th birthday, she died by suicide.
“We fought with everything that we had. And unfortunately, like so many other health conditions, we didn’t have the right answers,” Drake said.
Because of Brittany’s story and so many others like it, doctors at Avera are bringing back a simple, but impactful campaign called ‘Ask the Question’. The campaign is as simple as asking your loved ones if they struggle with suicidal thoughts.
“People are real skittish and squeamish about asking people how they’re doing or about suicide. And good evidence suggests that it’s okay to ask the question. In fact, it’s helpful. And people a lot of times are relieved that somebody cares enough to inquire about that,” Avera clinical vice president for behavioral health, Dr. David Ermer said.
“And that’s where asking that direct question frees them to really tell you how they’re feeling so that then we can work on what’s the next best step,” Drake said.
This year, Avera is focusing especially on teenagers who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
“It’s one of the leading causes of death for adolescents and young adults, especially men,” Ermer said.
And asking just one question could save a life and prevent years of heartache.
“Asking that direct question, do you feel like taking your life or are you suicidal? Doesn’t put the thought into their head. But what it does is it opens them up to know that you’re a safe person who truly cares, that those thoughts are happening. And it’s okay to have those thoughts. It’s not okay to act on them,” Drake said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help.
988 is the National Suicide Hotline number.
Click here for an Avera resource on helping start the conversation.
