A rash of suicides in the Prairie Ridge and Bonney Lake areas, including one this month, led to a meeting about the warning signs of suicide Thursday at the Prairie Ridge Recreation Center.

Good Samaritan Behavioral Health Clinic sponsored the event with the Prairie Ridge Community Coalition.

Rick Crozier, the director of integrated care at Good Samaritan Community Services, spoke to those in attendance about warning signs of suicide, causes and ways to prevent it.

There are symptoms of which a person must have at least five of to be diagnosed with clinical depression.

The symptoms are: having a depressed or irritable mood almost daily; a loss of interest or pleasure; gaining a significant amount of weight; losing a significant amount of weight; insomnia; or hypersomnia (oversleeping). These symptoms alone and for a short amount of time do not mean someone has depression, but if they last for more than two weeks, it could indicate a more serious problem, Crozier said.

Crozier told the audience depression is highly treatable.

“We don’t want to lose sight of the fact depression is a medical issue,” he said.

With the right medication and help through counseling, a person can develop a healthier outlook.

Friends and family members may help someone who is contemplating suicide by watching for these signs and by engaging the person they are concerned for in conversation about what’s troubling them.

If a person says they’re contemplating suicide it’s a red flag and if a person has a specific plan they discuss, it’s a serious matter, Crozier said.

People should not dismiss this, but take action. Some hesitate because they are afraid of making a big deal out of nothing, but it’s better to err on the side of caution, Crozier said.

The same financial issues that can exacerbate depression and suicidal thoughts is affecting providers of mental health services who are battling reductions in funding. Some providers accept Medicare and free support groups are available at community churches.