September is Suicide Prevention Month
“He was a wonderful brother and uncle, who loved to play catch with us. He just couldn’t find relief from the pain. He’s always in our hearts.”
“Sometimes the people that seem the strongest are suffering the most.”
“He was an Army veteran with PTSD; he took his life on July 15, 2020. The worst day of my life.”
These are just a few of the heartfelt tributes shared during Saline Memorial Hospital’s Luminary Lighting Ceremony last year. Each luminary represents a life remembered, a loss mourned and a reminder that behind every suicide statistic is a person deeply loved by family, friends and community.
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the hospital is once again inviting the community to join in a virtual lighting ceremony on the Saline Memorial Hospital Facebook page at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. Community members may submit the names of loved ones lost to suicide or attempted suicide at SalineMemorial.org/Luminary by Monday, Sept. 21, for inclusion in the ceremony.
While suicide can feel like an isolated tragedy, its impact is far-reaching. In 2025, nearly 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That equates to one death every 11 minutes.
The impact of suicide extends far beyond the individual. Each death affects the health and well-being of surviving family members, friends, neighbors and the broader community. For those left behind, grief is often accompanied by a complex mix of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion and guilt.
Michelle Rispoli, director of the Saline Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health Unit, said it is important for survivors to remember that a loved one’s suicide is not their fault and that support is available for those coping with this type of loss.
“After a suicide, many people find themselves searching for answers or wondering if there was something they could have done differently,” Rispoli said. “The reality is that we can never fully know everything another person is experiencing or carrying. Sometimes tragedies occur despite the love, support and efforts of those around them.”
While no one can predict or prevent every suicide, understanding common warning signs and risk factors can help foster awareness, compassion and connection within communities.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), some of the most recognizable warning signs of suicide include:
- Drastic changes in behavior or exhibiting entirely new behaviors
- Comments about killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawing from activities or isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little, often causing extreme fatigue and/or aggression
- Giving away prized possessions and other impulsive behavior
- Looking for a way to end their life, such as searching for suicide methods online
While risk factors vary, some common factors associated with increased suicide risk include:
- A family history of suicide or other serious mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- Substance abuse
- Access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs
- Serious or chronic health conditions, especially those that cause severe physical pain
- A history of childhood neglect, trauma or abuse
- Gender (more women attempt suicide, but men are four times more likely to die from their attempt)
- Age (those younger than 24 years old and older than 65 years old are at higher risk)
- Isolation and/or agitation
- Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
- A recent tragedy, loss or stressful life event, such as rejection, divorce or financial crisis
Saline Memorial Hospital provides a variety of behavioral health services, including medication management and group counseling. Additional information is available at Saline Memorial Behavioral Health or by calling 501.776.6600 or 501.776.6643.
Free and confidential support is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, thoughts of self-harm or other mental health challenges, please seek help immediately,” Rispoli said. “Our message is simple: you are not alone. It’s okay to ask for help, and support is available. We’re here to help people take that first step toward hope and healing.”
About Saline Memorial Hospital
Saline Health System, a part of Lifepoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. Saline Memorial Hospital has been caring for Saline County and its surrounding communities for more than 70 years. Saline Memorial Hospital is proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety and with the Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the Chest Pain-MI Registry for delivering the highest quality care for cardiac patients. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center.
More information about Saline Memorial Hospital is available at 501.776.6000 or online at SalineMemorial.org. More information about Lifepoint Health is available at LifepointHealth.net.
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