1.2 lives.

That is the number of deaths per day in Iowa during 2013 from suicide. That is more than one death per day, equalling 447 people who believed that taking their own life was the only way out; the only way to find peace or relief from what they were dealing with.

But that is 447 people too many.

Who know’s how many of these people could have been saved had the warning signs been noticed or had someone spoken up to a teacher, friend or loved one.

It’s tragic that we will never truly know who could have been helped, but it is never too late to start taking steps toward opening up the conversation about suicide throughout the world, country and on our own campus.

September is the month for suicide prevention, and we on the ISD Editorial Board feel that if ever there was a time for something to be done or said to help save a life, it should be now.

The most common underlying issue a person deals with prior to making the decision to end their life is depression or bipolar (manic depression) disorder. Anywhere from about 30-70 percent of suicide victims fall within the category of mentally ill, but only about half of them will ever receive treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health and Mental Health of America.

Before we can even consider what steps can be taken to help those who are either on the verge of suicidal or have shown signs of wanting to end their life, removing the stigma of what it means to have mental health issues must be addressed.

A study came out from The Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State University in 2014 in regard to mental health among college students. The report revealed that anxiety and depression, in that order, are the highest mental health diagnosis being made for students on campuses across the country.

This is a real issue everywhere, on our home campus as well, and clearly outlined and consistently available resources need to be provided to students while attending Iowa State, even if they never need them.

Hotlines are available to try and provide support, but as Mental Health of America states, suicidal individuals don’t often turn to hotlines for help. But 63 percent of people thinking about suicide go to the doctor the month before a suicide attempt. People struggling show signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, and as a community, we need to be able to recognize the signs and reach out.

Iowa State offers a number of services where students can go for help.

Student counseling services can be reached at 294-5056. The website states to call if “you have an urgent matter that you feel may result in a situation which is dangerous or is so intense it cannot reasonably wait to be addressed.”

Walk-in appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you need to talk to someone outside of regular hours, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911.