CUMBERLAND — Usually, it’s the subtle things people miss when a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, Dr. Tooba Qadir said.
She chairs the psychiatry department at UPMC Western Maryland.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and Qadir discussed resources available for people in crisis.
Often, warning signs of suicide include talk of hopelessness and helplessness, she said of more passive gestures.
Sometimes, suicidal thoughts are chronic; however, certain life situations, including loss of a job, home or children, can also put people at risk.
“Everybody looks a little bit different,” Qadir said.
Generally, if someone has an untreated mental illness, is withdrawn or not acting like themselves, or talks about death or not wanting to live, professionals should be consulted for help.
Substance use, especially alcohol, which can impair judgment, might also be linked to mental illness.
While depression can be more common in winter months, “it’s mostly spring when we see the most suicide,” Qadir said.
“If you notice something, say something,” she said and added 988 is the National Suicide Hotline. “When in doubt, make that call.”
Folks can also chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
UPMC Western Maryland’s crisis hotline at 240-964-1399 addresses urgent or emergency needs.
“Crisis counselors really use a whole variety of techniques,” Qadir said. “They are very good at what they do.”
She talked of the hospital system’s layered resources that include emergency, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, as well as an intensive outpatient program.
The Center for Hope and Healing at UPMC Western Maryland is a residential crisis service facility that provides support for adults with mental health illnesses and addictions.
The Compass Center, a program of Archway Station Inc., offers short-term mental health support service for adults who require 24-hour supervision due to a mental health crisis, as well as help for caregivers.
Suicide is “a very permanent answer” to temporary questions in the mind of someone in crisis, Qadir said.
“Keep an eye on your friends and family,” she said. “Point them (to) mental health care.”
According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.
“Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues,” the organization’s website states. “Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.”
Learn more at wmhs.com/services/behavioral-health/.