By Robert Frederick, KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-494017.mp3
St. Louis, MO – According to the Center for Disease Control, it's a myth that there are more suicides during the winter holidays. Still, the "holiday blues" might lead to depression, and depression might lead to suicide.
Each day in Missouri, an average of two people die by suicide and another 17 attempt it.
To try to reduce that rate, one year ago the Missouri Department of Mental Health implemented a five-year "Missouri Suicide Prevention Plan."
KWMUs science reporter Robert Frederick takes a look at that plan, and efforts to prevent suicide especially among young people under 24, where suicide is the second leading cause of death, second only to accidents.
MORE INFORMATION:
Kids Under Twenty One (KUTO): 314-963-7571 or click here.
Crisis Helpline: (314) 644-KUTO (5886), or toll-free: 888-644-KUTO.
(The helpline is open from 4-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
To read Missouri's Suicide Prevention Plan, click here.
Inquiries about the state's Gatekeeper training should be directed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health, click here.