It's not always easy to identify someone who is at risk of committing suicide. That's why the Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force is holding a seminar to provide information on the subject to the general public.

Scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 20, at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua, specialists will provide information on the common causes, warning signs and the help available for people in crisis, as well as their families and friends.The focus will be on a three-pronged attack - Question, Persuade, Refer.These three simple steps are used to help save lives by training people to become "gatekeepers," able to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that may indicate someone is considering suicide.Gatekeepers may be anyone, and everyone - family, friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, emergency responders, anyone who may come in contact with someone with suicidal thoughts. They learn how to recognize the signs of an upcoming crisis, become familiar with the many available resources, and know how to get help.Suicide has become a major health concern, making its way to the tenth overall leading cause of death in the United States.Every year, more than 41,000 people in the U.S. die by their own hand. It is often preventable, which is why the QPR program and gatekeepers have become so important.While suicide does not discriminate and suicidal behavior is a complex puzzle, most people at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors include: depression/other mental disorders or substance abuse; previous suicide attempt; family history of suicide, mental disorder or substance abuse; family violence, physical and sexual; criminal history that involves jail time; and being exposed to others' suicidal behavior.Not everyone facing these risk factors considers or attempts suicide as the action is not a normal response to stress. The most important thing for anyone to remember is that a suicide attempt is a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.For more information, attend the seminar or visit

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention.If you are considering suicide, please call 1-800-273-8255 or visit

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.