Suicide Prevention

 

 

From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention comes this PSA, "Suicide Shouldn't Be a Secret."

 

The Suicide Prevention Program provides depression and suicide prevention education to middle and high school students in Licking County. We offer the SOS program which is recommended by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) as an Evidence-Based Practice. SOS teaches students to recognize signs of depression in themselves and classmates; discusses the link between depression and suicide; and provides resources for help.

In Licking County, there were 28 deaths by suicide in 2009. The goal of the program is to increase help-seeking skills and to reduce the number of deaths by suicide.

Licking County Suicide Prevention Coalition meets monthly to initiate the Suicide Prevention plan.

Training Opportunities
We provide training to agencies, civic groups, educators, parents, or anyone else who is interested in being made aware of the signs of depression and suicide for any age group.
If you are interested in training, please contact Mental Health America of Licking County at 740-522-1341 or by email at suicideprevention@mhalc.org

Feeling hopeless, helpless or powerless? You are not alone!
Please call one of the following numbers for help:

In Licking County:
2-1-1, or 740-345-HELP (4357)

National Hotlines:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Girls and Boys Town
1-800-448-3000

Be aware of

possible warning signs of suicide:

  • Talking about suicide, death, dying, or the afterlife. 

  • Feeling sad, bored, hopeless, or depressed. 

  • Making verbal threats such as, "You'd be better off without me," "I won't be a problem for you much longer," or "Maybe I won't be around." 

  • Change in personality, such as becoming suddenly cheerful after a period of depression. 

  • Showing little interest in the future. 

  • Making major changes in the looks or not taking care of him/herself (if usually neat, might look sloppy). 

  • Acting in rash, hostile ways; often expressing rage. 

  • Giving or throwing away favorite belongings.

Click here for a list of

Suicide Prevention Resources