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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Mental health problems affect millions, leading some into chronic depression, and even taking their own life. That's why, annually, September is dedicated to increasing public understanding through Suicide Prevention Month.

Suicide is not uncommon in the Commonwealth. More than 700 self-harm-related deaths were reported last year, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says 1 in 20 adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year.

There's no single cause of suicide, but the roots of self-harming thoughts are often planted by way of substance abuse, prolonged stress and in Elena Schexnide

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