Editor’s note: This article addresses topics of mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the 211 Big Bend hotline by dialing 211.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - September is Suicide Prevention Month, and 211 Big Bend says they’re seeing a sharp increase in mental health calls to its suicide hotline.

The organization reports that it has seen at least 100 more calls to the hotline from month to month.

The Florida Department of Health reports that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 through 34.

In 2022, the Florida Department of Health reported there were 3,445 suicides among people living in Florida, with another 7,477 hospitalizations for attempted suicides.

In 2023, that number rose f

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