Suicide prevention walk set for Monday

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It’s a time to join our voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible. This year, the theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.” By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. Our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. By sharing stories, learning the warning signs, and offering support, we can all break the stigma around suicide and help prevent these tragic deaths.

Everyone plays a role in preventing suicide. If you know someone who is hurting, reach out, ask questions, and offer support. You do not have to be an expert. Be there to listen and show you care – it can make a world of difference. Helping to connect a person at risk to a support system, including providing resources to reach out to (friends, family, clergy, therapist, support groups, hotlines, etc), is a step that anyone in our community can take.

Look out for those who are not coping well. Warning signs of suicide include: talking about wanting to die, having feelings of guilt or shame, feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live, a change in behavior such as making a plan or researching ways to die, withdrawing from friends, saying good bye, giving away important items, or making a will, taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast, displaying extreme mood swings, eating or sleeping more or less, or using drugs or alcohol more often. Take time to reach out and start a conversation if you notice something is different. You don’t need to have all the answers. Empathy, compassion, genuine concern, knowledge of resources, and a desire to help can restore hope and help to save a life.

Throughout the month, the Hot Springs County Prevention Coalition will be raising awareness of suicide, sharing resources, and highlighting the roles we all play in suicide prevention. Look for ways to participate and create hope through action. Join them for their second annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on Monday, September 11 at 6 p.m. beginning at the Kiwanis Shelter in the state park. Come together as a community and enjoy food, music, learn about suicide and mental health resources, and walk together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to remember those we’ve lost. This will be a free and family friendly event.

To learn more and to participate in other prevention activities, please check their website at http://www.hotspringscountyprevention.org and follow us on facebook at facebook.com/HotSpringsCountyPrevention.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Help is available.