SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A University of Pennsylvania report shows November and December have the lowest suicide rates, but mental health experts say concerns do not disappear during the holidays.
“I think there is a lot of attention this time of year, and I think that is a good thing,” said Julie Calvery Carman, APRN with Boston Mountain Rural Health Center.
Winter’s shorter days and concerns over isolation and depression around the holidays worry many people about their mental health.
“There is just a lot more going on during this time of year, and at the same time, we also see people and interact with people we don’t normally interact on a regular basis. And so, for those that are having some mental health challenges that can become way more obvious during those times of the year as well,” Calvery Carman said.
The Centers for Disease Control examined ten years of data from 1999 to 2009 and found that December ranked 12th for suicides. More recent data shows December remains the lowest month, followed by November.
“People don’t often realize that as part of depression, just extreme irritability, and just having that, you are easily flustered, frustrated, irritated, snapping. There is a kind of component that happens to us all, but does it go above and beyond?” Calvery Carman said.
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However, January falls in the top five for suicide rates nationally when the calendar changes to a new year.
“One of the things I always encourage people to do is with your friends, family, loved ones over the holidays, check in with them. Maybe you need to check in and talk about how you are feeling, but also check in to see how they are feeling,” Calvery Carman said.
Less than one in five people knew about the 988 suicide prevention hotline in 2024. Mental health professionals say having someone to talk to remains important regardless of the season.
“I think that being honest about what’s happening to you with your closest friends and family is very important, especially this time of the year,” Calvery Carman said.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency or needs someone to speak with, you can call or text 988 and speak with someone trained to help.
