Community Corrections takes proactive approach to suicide prevention
MARSHALL COUNTY — Director of Marshall County Community Corrections (MCCC) Ward Byers hosted the Second annual Healing the Heartland: Suicide Prevention: What to Know & How to Help for staff and community members Tuesday.
The virtual program was streamed in a conference room with Director of the Caring Coalition of Marshall County Pam Lee and Marshall County Coroner John Grolich present.
MCCC Case Manager and Substance Abuse Therapist Heather Green said, “I am really thankful for the proactive and progressive approach Community Corrections takes towards care for the whole individual.”
Close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year, one every 40 seconds. That number increased 6.7 % globally between 1990 and 2016l suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 29. Youth are now the highest risk group in 1/3 of countries.
As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged 2020 economically, socially and for some physically, a surge in people impacted by suicidal thoughts, attempts or death by suicide was seen. Those suffering from depression; both new cases and worsening cases were observed, along with increases in addiction.
Someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts is experiencing a crisis. A crisis indicates a need for change in that person’s life; including an evaluation of one’s life choices, one’s relationships, and one’s mental and physical habits.
Those who have experienced the despair of hopelessness can and do go on to lead fulfilling lives. Research shows that suicide can be prevented and recovery is possible.
Protective factors include access to effective behavioral health care. Connection to individuals, families, community and social institutions helps mitigate feelings of isolation. Problem solving, emotional regulation and impulse control are critical life skills to learn and teach.
Having the courage to ask tough, but non-judgmental questions can make a difference between life and death for someone considering death by suicide. Presenter Jennifer Brandt, Director of Member Wellbeing and Inclusion Initiatives, American Veterinary Medical Association said, “It is not dangerous to ask someone if they are thinking about considering suicide. It does not plant a ’seed’.” She noted that often people just need to feel a sense of connection without judgment.
Those struggling with suicidal thoughts are usually torn between a desire to live and a desire to end the pain they are experiencing.
Brandt challenged the view that suicide is a choice. She displayed an illustration of someone holding on to a bar. As that person continues to hold on; the weight against the strength of their arms increases. “That person did everything they could to hold on…a moment comes that cannot be overcome.” The key to preventing suicide is identifying warning signs and intervention using appropriate methods.
While it is important to try to be helpful and show concern, people cannot give what they do not have. Don’t promise what you cannot commit to.
Training opportunities for suicide intervention and prevention can be obtained by contacting the Lee through the Caring Coalition of Marshall County. Lee organizes Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) classes that are led by qualified and certified facilitators. Find the organization on Facebook @ Caring Coalition MC.