Over the past few years, the national media has reported increased suicide rates for groups including veterans, teenagers, and the middle-aged. In 2010, over 14-hundred Ohioans died by suicide.

According to the Sheriff’s Office and Marietta Police, local rates have remained relatively stable over the past few years. Since the start of 2012, the two agencies reported fifteen suicide attempts and one suicide (by gunshot), with most attempts by drug and/or alcohol overdose.

WMOA News spoke with LeeAnn Price, president of the Washington County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

“One of the most staggering pieces of recent news says that, children who are currently in kindergarten, by the time they’re seniors in high school, suicide will be the number one cause of death,” says Price.

Price says that over the past four years there were 13 local suicide deaths.

 The following are warning signs to look out for in a loved one: talking about wanting to die, feeling trapped or unbearable pain (either physical or mental), saying you’re a burden to others, increasing use of alcohol or drugs, becoming more reckless, acting anxious or agitated, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing from social interaction or isolating yourself, extreme mood swings, showing extreme rage and/or seeking revenge to another.

Local resources available include:

Washington County Suicide Hotline (not 24 hours) – 740.373.8240

National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours) – 1.800.273.8255

L&P Services (mental health services) – 207 Colegate Drive, Marietta. 740.376.0930

Worthington Center (mental health services) – 2515 Washington Blvd, Belpre. 740.423.4225

Tri County Mental Health & Counseling (mainly for youth) – 809 Farson Ave. 740.423.8095

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.