Suicide Prevention in Cattaraugus County
Suicide Prevention in Cattaraugus County
This past year, suicide rates within the United States has dropped by 6%, according to the NY Times. As the data continues to be sifted and research studies move ahead full throttle diving into the reasons behind this percentage shift, let us zoom in on an expert in Cattaraugus County who has thoughts and insight as to the decrease in percentages.
This expert is a professional in our region of the country who has spent years setting an intention of preventing suicide among our community, as well as motivating others to take a different path. Let us hear from this anonymous resource.
LAURA: What do you attribute the reasons are for the decline in suicide rates during the Covid-19 pandemic?
EXPERT: I think a lot of it has to do with the shift around mental health stigma. We are getting much better at not having mental health be such a stigma. While the rates are going down, a lot of ERs across the region are seeing an increase in suicidal ideations among their patients. People are just reaching out and asking for help. The research is still being reviewed, therefore, I think we will have a much more clearer picture in months to come. I also think people really do rally behind each others in times of stress or crisis.
LAURA: What are some risk factors for suicidal thoughts?
EXPERT: In the past, not being fully employed was a risk factor, however, with the government’s financial assistance this past year, perhaps this cushion has helped lower the rates. Other risk factors include drug or alcohol use and accessibility to a lethal means. If you can’t get to the lethal method, then you can talk yourself out of it or reason with yourself more. Ten minutes can make a heck of a difference … if you wait 10 minutes you can reason with yourself and find something else to do.
LAURA: What are some protective factors or prevention methods one can tap into when thoughts of not being here anymore are coming into mind?
EXPERT: The more supports you can have the better. Really reach out to those supports; let them know what is honestly going on inside your brain. It is easier to fight with a crowd than by yourself. The sooner you can reach out for mental and emotional health supports the better. You can have an extra person on your side who can be there for you. These days connecting with a mental health clinician is so much more accessible. There is text messaging, instant messaging, phone calls, telehealth services, etc. There are so many avenues to reach someone who can help.
LAURA: What are some prevention resources in Cattaraugus County?
EXPERT: In Cattaraugus County, the Department of Community Services has offices and therapists scattered all throughout Catt. County. Additionally, they offer a 24-hour crisis hotline phone number: 1-800-339-5209. There is also a bunch of private practitioners opening businesses. Out of the darkness walk (sponsored by the American Foundation for suicide prevention) stands by “you are not alone.” Details on this walk, resources, and information can be found at AFSP.org. Cattaraugus County Suicide Prevention Coalition is a wonderful resource. Law enforcement, first responders, local hospitals, mental health practitioners are among a few professionals that can provide support and resources.
Our resource concluded this interview with, “You are not alone. You can talk to just one person. They can help you just as you can help them.” Multiple Olympic medalist Michael Phelps states, “I am extremely thankful that I did not take my life.” An anonymous source states, “Place your hand on your heart. Feel that? That’s called purpose. You are alive for a reason. Don’t forget that.”
Laura Widger is a NY State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field of emotional wellness and mental health. She currently works for CCA-Connecting Communities in Action and specializes in trauma healing with children and adults. She lives in Cattaraugus County with her husband, children, and German short haired dog. Laura personally and professionally strives to promote internal self leadership and the discovery of true genuineness and balance within.