Editor’s Note: This column deals with a sensitive topic – suicide. If you need assistance, call 9-8-8.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
This is a time to acknowledge and raise awareness while reminding those that may be struggling that they are not alone! There is help and resources.
In 2022, 988 was established within Missouri. Twenty-four hours a day, every day, anyone can text, call, video call or chat with a trained professional. This is a great asset, making more varied resources available to everyone. In 2024, there were over 100 calls pertaining to suicide in our center alone. These numbers have been on a steady decline since the establishment of 988. Also on the decline is the amount of suicide calls that end in tragedy. This does not mean that 9-1-1 is not an option, because they are always waiting with a non-judgmental, calm voice for your call.
As the phone rings…
Francine: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
71-year-old caller: “Well, I am not sure if it is an emergency, I am finished and will end it soon.”
Josh: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
13-year-old caller: “I am at home, in my room. I am just calling to tell someone I tried but I can’t go back. Please tell my mom I love her, and I really tried but it is just too hard.”
Tyler: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
31-year-old caller: “I can’t say, but I am telling you that this is my last night.”
Zach: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
Caller: “I am not sure how to say this but to just say it. My son said his friend was making comments about committing suicide. I don’t know much about him, but I need someone to check on him. He is only 11.”
Eileshia: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
28-year-old caller: “I don’t think I can handle this anymore, something isn’t right about me.” I love my family and children more than anything or I think I do. Or is that what I am supposed to feel and say?”
Erin: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
17-year-old caller: “I just didn’t want to leave without my mom knowing that I really do love her and I tried but it isn’t working.”
Cassidy: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?
14-year-old caller: “I just wanted to let you know that I was going to do it in the morning. I heard that we had to tell someone before we actually do it. So, I am taking the pills after my parents go to work. They will not ever love me after what happened to me, so I am going to go ahead and do it.”
Brad: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
40-year-old caller: “Hi, yes. Listen, I just wanted to tell you where I will be. I don’t really like the idea of my body being eaten by wild animals. They have been telling me to do it for years and I am finally going to do it. I told you last week I was doing it then but today is really the day.”
Steven: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
21-year-old caller: “I have taken the pills; I just couldn’t find my way. It seemed as if every time I tried it wasn’t right. This, this is something I am not gonna mess up. I have already taken the pills and cleaned the house. I am lying in the tub, so no one has to deal with anything else. The back door is unlocked, please have them wipe their feet, my dad just put down new flooring in the kitchen.”
These are only a few examples of call scenarios that have been answered in dispatch over many years. These types of calls are not isolated only to our small part of the world but play out too many times throughout. Thankfully the days are dwindling down where the stigma for this type of experience is frowned upon or swept under the rug. With expanding resources and understanding there is hope that one day these types of incidents will just be something in the past.
Parents, please add this talk with your kids to your family plan. Approach the subject don’t treat it as taboo. Younger and younger they are already hearing and learning about things. Along with most shushed subjects and adolescents the information may not always be correct if it is “just heard” from so-and-so. Opening this path may be the one call for help that lets your child or their friends know there is a safe way to ask for help.
Has someone told you or made you believe that what you feel means nothing? Have you received help before? Once, twice or more? Now you worry, no one will believe you or will not take you seriously? That will never be the case! Your first request for help and as many as you need will always be treated as a true emergency with assistance offered as soon as you ask. Have you sat alone at 3 a.m. and thought that you may need help? But you don’t want to bother anyone? The time isn’t right? No one will answer or have many other possibilities cross your mind. Is there someone that you are worried about, a friend, a family member or a complete stranger? Don’t wait, don’t put it off. Make that call or text.
Some may see the need to reach out for help as a weakness. However, those that know and understand agree that it is not weakness but strength. Making that first call or text can be one of the hardest decisions to make. I plead with you to know that when you reach out no matter to what degree of assistance is needed your request is important and confidential. Do you have a plan already in place? I implore you to take one more step in that plan, take a deep breath and make that text or call. Three simple numbers could shine a whole new light on the circumstances, 9-8-8 or 9-1-1.
The Texas County Emergency Services office in Houston is funded by a 3/8-cent countywide sales tax approved by voters in 2013. Director Terra Culley can be reached by phone at 417-967-5309 or by email at terraculley911@hotmail.com.