ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Suicide is an unfortunate reality that has hit the Douglas County community in recent months.

Many people don't know the warning signs and prevention methods to either help themselves or help someone they know, that is dealing with this life altering decision.

Men are more at risk then women and this is the number one cause of violent death in Oregon, outnumbering homicides five to one. Oregon is one of nine other states that more die by suicide than in vehicle crashes.

Suicide is a very real thing that has hit our small community, and something that people deal with on a daily basis.

There are warning signs to look for if you think someone is having suicidal thoughts.

Diane Rose, a social worker in Douglas County gives some things to look for. "A person that's isolating and not contacting family or friends. Stops going to church. Sleeping a lot or not sleeping, over eating, under eating, giving some of your things away. No enjoyment in anything. Extremely flat, depressed affect."

Nurse Practitioner Nancy West adds that asking if someone is OK won't hurt. "If a member of their support system feels they are suicidal, it's OK to ask. You can ask someone, "Do you feel like hurting yourself." There is a old myth that says that if you ask somebody about it, your going to give them ideas about hurting themselves, and that's not true. It's a sign of caring and doesn't increase their risk of suicide at all."

Rose stresses that there are so many reasons why people commit suicide, and she says her theory is with the way the economy is right now, people are more prone to act because they feel helpless, and many times these people have the stress of supporting a family.

There are places you can go and people that can help. NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), is a support group that meets once a month at the Fowler House. Family and friends are welcome to attend. There is also a group that's free to join and is at the health department in Roseburg two days a week.

Also, you can call a physician in town, go to the E.R., or just call 911.

A toll free number to call for help is 1-800-866-9780. Also, the health department offers screenings Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The VA Hospital also has a program for veterans that may be feeling suicidal, call the VA to find out more information.