Macon, Ga. (September 17, 2025) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 49,000 people in the United States end their life each year – one every 11 minutes.
But the numbers are far worse when considering the CDC estimates 12.8 million people seriously thought about suicide in 2023, and 1.5 million of them attempted to take their own life.
“Suicide and suicidal thoughts are a more common phenomenon than most people know,” said Cesar Figueroa, M.D., the medical director for Piedmont Macon Behavioral Health. “You don’t have to be crazy or selfish to think about suicide. It’s a state of mind that can happen to anybody.”
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and Dr. Figueroa said educating the community about suicide and its warning signs is the first step toward curbing the numbers of the 11th leading cause of death in the country.
Among the warning signs:
- Persistent sadness or negative feelings.
- Social isolation and not finding enjoyment in life.
- The feeling of being trapped.
- A change in behavior that may include drug or alcohol abuse.
- Talk of giving things away or having a will drawn up.
If someone is suspected of being suicidal, Dr. Figueroa said the first step is to initiate a dialogue that is open and non-judgmental.
“If the conversation turns to a very dark place, it’s perfectly OK to ask if they are considering suicide,” he said. “A direct, empathetic, non-judgmental conversation can go a long way toward helping someone.”
Dr. Figueroa said Piedmont Macon Behavioral Health has a longstanding history of serving the community by treating a wide spectrum of mental health issues.
For anyone needing behavioral health services, Piedmont Macon offers partial inpatient and inpatient treatment, electroconvulsive therapy, counseling sessions for an individual or family, and classes in coping skills. Additionally, Piedmont Macon offers Lifeline, a service that offers a free initial mental health assessment.
To reach Lifeline, call 478-741-1355. To reach the National Suicide Crisis Line, dial 988.
Although the subject of suicide remains taboo in many circles, Dr. Figueroa says he would like to see that stigma disappear.
“This is an issue that the community really needs to be educated about,” he said. “In many ways, suicide is preventable and treatable, and only through awareness and education can we accomplish that.”
For more information about Piedmont Macon Behavioral Health, visit Behavioral Health Services in Macon | Piedmont Healthcare.