September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s important to take a look at why the designation itself is important.

Guthrie County Health Services Director Jotham Arber says that the important topic of mental health is heavily focused on during September, as healthcare professionals are preparing for the winter months that are approaching, when some individuals may be more prone to mental health issues. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the cooler weather causes individuals to stay indoors, causing them to become isolated and miss out on an important factor of being human.

“We as humans need that interaction. We have mental needs and emotional needs, and so we encourage everybody, especially during suicide prevention, to make sure that they are accessing resources available to them. Everybody needs to talk to someone, and it is okay to talk to someone about your emotions, about what you’re going through.”

Arber mentions that asking for help is not something to be ashamed or afraid of, and that individuals can talk to anyone that they wish too, whether that person be a healthcare professional, or a friend. He adds that those individuals who feel suicidal can also call the suicide hotline at 988 if they don’t want to talk to someone they know, and will be connected with a professional.