Thoughts of suicide? There is Help!

(Article for The Best Times- July-August 2018 Johnson County, Kansas)

By: Kristen Reese

Suicide is complex.  There is no age group, gender, race, etc. that it does not impact. This has never been more evident than with the recent death by suicide of two high-profile celebrities who appeared to have it all.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States. 

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. 

“More than one Kansan dies everyday from suicide,” Tim DeWeese, director of Johnson County Mental Health Center, said. 

He advises residents to learn ways to identify if a loved one is at risk of suicide.  Warning signs may include:

• increased substance abuse (alcohol or drug);
• no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life;
• anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time;
• feeling trapped, like there is no way out;
• withdrawn from friends, family and society;
• rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge; or,
• acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking.

Once you’ve determined someone is exhibiting a warning sign, use your voice and resources to get the person help.  Show interest and support, being willing to listen, offer hope that alternatives are available, be available and reach out. 

You can start a conversation by stating; “I have been feeling concerned about you lately” or “I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately.” 

You can ask the question directly: “Have you had thoughts of suicide?”  It can be daunting and uncomfortable when you know someone who is thinking of suicide. Don’t let that stop you.  It is safe to ask questions. They will see you as a person they can confide it. Be familiar with the resources available.

If you have immediate concern about someone’s safety, call 911 right away!  

Additional crisis resources available are: Johnson County Mental Health Center 24/7 Crisis Line, call 913-268-0156 or to access services call 913-826-4200; you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text 741741.

Other helpful websites for community and national resources, coping with suicide loss and tools for providing support:

 www.jocogov.org/suicideprevention

 www.facebook.com/JOCOMNH

 www.afsp.org/about-afsp

Another way is to get involved in suicide prevention efforts in our community is by joining/volunteering in the Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. The coalition saves and supports life, with our community partners, through awareness, education and outreach. For more information, visit jocogov.org/spc or call 913-715-7880.

Together, as a community, we will make a difference!

 

Kristen Reese works in administrative support-prevention and community relations at the Johnson County Mental Health Center.

Walking Down a Dirt Road

              

             There’s just something about walking down a dirt road that brings me peace.  There’s a stillness, a quiet that you don’t get in the city.  It’s hard to get a sense of distance.  You can walk for miles and get lost in your own thoughts.

              A mile or so into my walk I come to a house with a dog enjoying his many acres.  As soon as he sees me, he comes down to the road at the edge of his property.  He didn’t bark.  I think he was just curious.  His way of saying hello.  I continue walking.  I take in the beautiful fall leaves- red, yellow, and orange.  I look down and notice the dirt on my shoes.  I don’t care though; I’m enjoying the weather and calm.

              Once a year at Thanksgiving I get out of the city and travel three hours to the country in Hesston, KS.  Everyone should make it a point to disconnect from the world for a time, at least once a year.  Life can get so busy.  We do it to ourselves, planning activity after activity so we don’t have to be alone for too long.  I for one, like being alone…sometimes.  I like to be still and hear my own thoughts.  It also gives me the opportunity to send up a special prayer to God.  Reflection is key to making the hard decisions in life.  Thinking about the past, looking at where you’re at now, and where you want to go.  Are you currently where you want to be?  Are you the person you want to be?  What do you need to change?  It’s impossible to think about those things with all the distractions we have these days: T.V., social media, etc.  So, find your country road.  The place you can get away from it all.