Suicide Prevention Month

During the month of September, we as a collective, join to raise awareness for Suicide Prevention. During this month, we take the opportunity to remember those that we have lost to suicide. As well as offering support to those affected by suicide, fundraising, and making efforts into more research and raising awareness for the topic. Through community, culture, data, and research we are able to find the resources needed for helping a wide population of people who are struggling with suicidal ideation. For those who are struggling with suicidal ideation, call or text 988 to receive help. Efforts to prevent suicide and raise awareness are made everyday and we can all be apart of it by simply educating ourselves on the signs of suicide and the resources (national and local) for helping someone who is struggling with suicidal ideations.

Know the signs

Though it is not guaranteed an individual struggling with suicidal ideations will portray these symptoms, it is still vital to be pay attention to warning signs such as talking about killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped or unbearable pain. Other behaviors to be aware of include depression, increased use of alcohol or drugs, looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, visiting or calling people to say goodbye or giving away prized possessions. These are just some of the telling signs. Regardless if they are showing these signs and symptoms, check up on your loved ones.

Get Help

There are multiple different resources providing support and assistance for those struggling with suicide such as 24 hour hotlines and support groups, both online and in person. You can also engage with your community and see if there are any local support groups in your area. Along with researching mental health services and seeing which would fit best for you.

Know How to Support & Get Involved

Suicide is a very serious topic and can be an emotional or uncomfortable subject for some people, making it difficult to know what to say or how to support someone going through suicidal ideations. Asking for help can be just as uncomfortable or scary and can often be seen as weakness. Don't wait for the "right time" or "a better opportunity" to reach out and get the help that's needed now.

Some ways you can support a loved one include:

• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.

• Practice active listening

• Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.

• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

• Take action. Remove means, like weapons or pills.

• Get help from people or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Becoming available, actively listening, and showing interest and support are the best ways to get involved with someone who is struggling with suicidal ideation. The smallest bit of empathy, compassion, or consideration can go miles and with the efforts of local programs we can help those struggling with suicide take a step closer to getting the help they need.

Here in Gratiot County there are various resources and groups available to receive support and educate yourself on suicide prevention. As well as events to help spread awareness and hope through connection of community.

Here are just a few local resources available to the public:

• Accredited Schools Online has information on understanding your child's mental health and resources to find support groups or a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist who specializes in helping manage stress and anxiety.

• The Gratiot County Substance & Suicide Prevention Coalition (GCSSPC) holds support groups for the survivors of suicide once a month and provides resources for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

• Here at ZENlightenment Wellness Center we offer mental health therapy that ranges from Addiction Recovery Therapy to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and many others to help provide you with the best support possible.

• MyMichigan Health also provides specialized programs and support groups on the second wednesday of every month for those struggling with the loss of a loved one due to suicide.

If you or a loved or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, ideations, or behaviors reach out to 988. Find the help you need.