Few topics are as stigmatized as suicide.

Mentioning the word makes people uncomfortable.

But we must talk about it.

Suicide is the 2nd-leading cause of death for South Carolinians aged 10-35, according to the SC Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Suicide rates in ages 10 to 24 years old increased 56% from 2007 to 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

50 people died by suicide in Lexington County last year.

But there is hope.

In 2004, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control released the state’s 1st Suicide Prevention Plan.

Sen. Katrina Shealy of Lexington County and other state and local leaders will attend next week’s SC Suicide Prevention Coalition meeting in Columbia.

The coalition will identify areas of future need and growth potential towards a state without suicide, which is the SCSPC mission.

If you need to talk or are concerned about someone else, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.

If your issue is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Prestamos servicios en español (1-888-628-9454).

The Lifeline TTY is 800-799-4889, and the Disaster Distress Helpline TTY is 800-985-5990.