Holidays Do Not Provoke More Suicides, Health Officials Say

See ABC-10’s Sarah Mac’s original story here: http://abc10up.com/suicide-rates-go-up-in-the-winter-officials-say-no/

It widely believed that suicide rates increase during the winter months, especially around the holidays, but health officials say that is not true.

Sarah Derwin is the Health Educator for the Marquette County Health Department.

Derwin says that there is no real spike in suicide at any one point throughout the year.

She says there is a slight increase during the spring and part of the summer, but not enough to be statistically significant.

Derwin says if anyone comes to you talk about their problems…the best thing you can do is simply listen.

If you or someone you know needs it, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

There is also someone available to talk from Dial Help Community Support and Outreach Center at 1-906-482-HELP (4357)

There is also someone available from Dial Help Community Support and Outreach Center by text at 1-906-35-NEEDS (63337)