Houston County marks Suicide Prevention Month, urges residents to check in

Officials say 42 Houston County residents died by suicide between January 2025 and August 10, 2026. Help is available by dialing 988.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Houston County commissioners recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month Tuesday, raising awareness about mental health resources and encouraging people to check in on those who may be struggling.

Officials say between January 2025 and August 10, 2026, 42 Houston County residents died by suicide. The proclamation is intended to spread awareness, reduce stigma and remind people that help is available by dialing 988.

Chrystal Wasden, president of Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia, says suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 34.

“I believe part of the answer is for us to start looking at mental health like we do physical health,” she said. “If someone has chest pain or our child has a fever or was injured in an accident, we know what to do. I think if we can learn to recognize that someone is having a mental health crisis, then we can do better at how we respond to it.”

Wasden says while calling the suicide hotline may help, it sometimes isn’t enough for those who are struggling.

“A phone number alone cannot save lives,” she said. “People do, communities do and connection does. No one system can make this work, not just our county leaders, law enforcement, or first responders, hospitals, or our behavioral health providers. Our schools, courts, churches, organizations, and families can’t do it alone; we need each other.”

She says everyone struggles at times, and it’s important to have each other’s backs.

“Checking in on someone who hasn’t been themselves or showed up for work for days,” she said. “It could be a pastor or coach, an officer, neighbor, a friend, or just your own family member, simply asking, ‘Are you okay?'”

Wasden says it’s important to pay attention and reach out before it’s too late.

“I’m asking people to check on each other and not assume somebody else is going to do it for you, but you just go ahead and ask,” she said. “That’s how we build a better Houston County, that’s how we save lives, and that’s how we do this together.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact 988 or visit mentalhealthmatters.com or mhmattersga.org.