Neva Bailey, LPC, CASII

Preventing Suicide and Spotting Depression in Our Community

Mental health challenges often remain hidden until it’s too late. As a Licensed Professional Counselor at HopeHealth, I aim to highlight the importance of recognizing signs of depression and suicidal thoughts. These issues are real, common, and treatable, but only if we identify them and take action.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy that leaves families and communities grieving and searching for answers. I believe that prevention starts with understanding, awareness, and open dialogue – especially now, as mental health challenges continue to rise, particularly among our youth.

Depression: More Than Just Feeling Down

Depression is a medical condition that affects mood, thinking, and daily functioning. It’s one of the most common mental health challenges we see in both children and adults. Key symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Talking about death or dying

These symptoms may not always be obvious. Depression can hide behind a smile, good grades, or busy routines. That’s why paying attention to behavioral changes is so important.

Suicide: A Growing Concern Among Youth

Suicide is not just an adult issue; it increasingly affects our youth. It impacts people across every age, race, and background, including here in Florence and throughout South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10–14, and the third for teens ages 15–17. In recent years, we’ve seen a troubling increase in mental health emergencies reported in schools and emergency rooms.

Children, teens, and adults all face growing pressures, from social isolation and academic stress to family instability and untreated depression. We must stop assuming that suicide is only an adult issue. Our young people are struggling, and they need us to see the signs.

Know the Warning Signs

While not everyone with depression thinks about suicide, many who die by suicide show warning signs first. Suicidal ideation often begins with subtle signs. Recognizing them can be life-saving. Common warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or expressing hopelessness
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Major changes in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns
• Feeling like a burden or expressing worthlessness
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye unexpectedly
• Increased substance use or risky behavior

Children and teens may not always articulate what they’re feeling, so it’s critical to observe changes in behavior, school performance, and social interaction.

Debunking the Myth: Asking About Suicide Doesn’t Cause It

It’s okay, and necessary, to ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” This question won’t “plant the idea” in their mind. Instead, it shows you care and gives the person a chance to talk. Many people hesitate to ask a loved one if they’re thinking about suicide out of fear that they might influence the person to do so. Research tells us this is a myth. Asking someone directly, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” shows empathy, concern, and often opens the door to help. Silence, on the other hand, reinforces stigma and shame.

What You Can Do

• Listen without judgment. Just having someone to talk to can make a big difference.
• Encourage professional help. Offer to help find a counselor, call a doctor, or reach out to a crisis line.
• Stay connected. Continued support and regular check-ins can prevent isolation.
• In immediate danger? Stay with the person and call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.

Local Help Is Available

If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. Resources in our community include:

• HopeHealth Behavioral Health Services: (843) 667-9414
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 – available 24/7

A Message of Hope

No one is immune to depression; many people face it at some point in life, and no one should face it alone. Talking about mental health can feel uncomfortable, but it’s an act of love, strength, and prevention. Let’s continue the conversation, recognize the signs, and support one another – lives depend on it!

Neva Bailey, LPC, CASII, is a Behavioral Health Consultant serving patients at HopeHealth in Timmonsville. Neva has lived in Timmonsville for the past 22 years and is passionate about her community. She is actively involved with the Boys and Girls Club of the Pee Dee and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her clinical interests include stress management, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and working with adults, seniors, and couples. To learn more, call (843) 667-9414 or visit us online at www.hope-health.org.