Suicide Prevention

It is once again that time of the year when we celebrate the life of our husband, father, brother, and cousin. The decision he made has affected us in many ways over the last ten years. Some are positive and others not so much. Please remember that it was his decision, whether we feel it was wrong or not. I know that he would want us to carry on and do him proud. That is why I have pressed forward with my book and will continue to advocate for mental illness issues. I believe that education, support, and advocacy for mental illness is the way to lift the stigma associated with it and set the next generation free from that stigma. Every few years, I take a class through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). I refreshes what I have already learned and gives me new information and hope for future generations. I have promoted the classes in the past and will continue to advise everyone to take them if they are available. THEY ARE FREE! Here is a write-up that was in my city newsletter. Good luck and God Bless! The Bear River Health Department issued this in our city newsletter. NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK National Suicide Prevention Week is September 8-14. During this week, we want to raise awareness about suicide and how we can prevent it. Suicide is a complex and multi-dimensional problem and no one is immune from its effects. It is important to remember that suicide is preventable, but it will take the entire community's efforts to be successful. There were over 38,000 deaths by suicide in the United States in 2010. That breaks down to one death by suicide about every 15 minutes in our country. In Utah, an average of 400 die from suicide with an additional 4,152 suicide attempts each year., During 2007-2011, the Bear River Health Department lost nearly 100 persons to suicide (data from DC and YDOH-IBIS). What can you do to help prevent suicide? Educate yourself and others. Participate in local events and trainings where you can learn more about suicide prevention. Let your loved ones know you care. An easy way to do that is to send an e-card. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline now has e-cards available at ecards.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Participate in Suicide Prevention Week by lighting a candle near a window on Tuesday, September 10th at 8 pm. This gesture supports World Suicide Prevention Day, suicide prevention awareness, survivors of suicide and memories of lost loved ones.