County Suicide Prevention Coalition Available To Assist

As of October, a total of 14 Clark County residents had taken their own lives in 2015, a number that the county Suicide Prevention Coalition aims to curb.

The Coalition is an extension of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Clark, Greene, and Miami Counties, and was founded in 2007 as a means to prevent suicides locally. Greta Mayer, Director of Prevention and Community Engagement, said that they do not generally tend to see a spike in suicides through the winter and during the holidays, but noted that depression can often set in throughout the winter season, prompting the Coalition to release literature with tips on measures to ward off the winter blues.

Mayer said the Mental Health and Recovery Board brings together many community resources in attempt to prevent suicides, including the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, and the Health Department, as well as family members of those who have committed suicide or have attempted it, so that other families will recognize the signs of someone who is considering suicide.

She said that depression and substance abuse are often the two leading contributors to suicide, saying that by recognizing such trends, they are able to more proactively work to amend them. Mayer noted that many people with depression do not even realize they are suffering from the affliction, saying that it is important for loved ones to identify when their friend or family member is not acting quite right.

Mayer urged people to take action if they see a loved one acting strangely, saying that they should be told to seek an evaluation by a health professional. Mayer stressed the importance of action among friends and family members when they notice their loved ones slipping into a depressed state, as early intervention is key.

This is why Mayer said the Board is close to releasing the 2015 edition of “Fighting The Winter Blues,” an educational pamphlet designed to assist people with combating the signs of winter depression. She said a special pamphlet was created for senior citizens, who can experience an emotional letdown after the winter holidays have passed and their family returns home. These pamphlets will be distributed at public places throughout the county, but a copy may be requested to be sent to you by calling 937-322-0648.

Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly recently released a county crime statistics report, including the number of suicides and suicide attempts. Year-to-date totals as of October show that the Clark County Sheriff’s Office handled 251 suicide attempts in 2015, with eight suicide completions. Mayer said these numbers are actually low, as they do not include statistics taken from the City of Springfield.

Mayer also said the number of reported suicide attempts is especially low, as these are only the instances that make it to the attention of first responders. She said that of the 14 suicides reported by her agency in 2015, that only four of them were female, noting that women often have more failed attempts than men, who tend to use more lethal methods.

Mad River Township reported 24 attempted suicides and one completion so far in 2015. Neighbors to the west in Bethel Township reported 64 attempts and two completions.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts is urged to call the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, which will transfer you to the local offices. To call the office locally, dial 937-399-9500.

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