Created on: 09/04/2009 10:52 AM

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota health officials are urging residents to learn the warning signs of suicide and how to prevent it during national Suicide Prevention Week. The event starts Sunday and runs through Sept. 12.

The Health Department says 571 people killed themselves in Minnesota in 2007 and the number of suicide victims is nearly five times higher than the number of homicides.

The department says these are just some of the warning signs:

Statements about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.
Sudden change from a depressed mood to a happier, calmer mood.
Making arrangements or setting one's affairs in order.
Direct or indirect statements that reference death or dying.

The department says if someone is in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).