* Suicide Prevention Forums Happening in April

During this month a number of community forums will be held in Evansville to help residents discuss suicide prevention and how to best respond to needs. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke announced these forums will be sponsored by Old National Bank and the Southwestern Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition.

During the 2016 year there were 40 suicides reported in Vanderburgh County. To date in Vanderburgh County in 2017 there have been 11 suicidal deaths.

These untimely deaths leave behind many caring friends and family who long to make sense of the tragedy.  What happened?  What did we miss?  Were there some important signs?  What do we do next?

Youth First is one of many organizations dedicated to preventing suicide in our community.  During 2016-2017, we presented suicide prevention training to more than 800 students in Vanderburgh County in schools where Youth First is represented.  These presentations help students recognize signs and symptoms of suicidal thinking and to get help.  The presentations also promote good coping strategies.

There are a number of protective factors families can address to better understand saving lives:

If you believe your loved one is suffering from depression and possible suicidal ideation- don’t wait.  Seek assistance from a physician and a therapist or psychologist.

Prior experience with suicide and prior attempts make a person more vulnerable.  Remove means for self-harm from the home for safety.

Help your loved one connect with meaningful activities and meaningful people.  Doing things to assist others is another protective factor, and we are ripe for community involvement in Evansville!

Use the best combination of healthy habits.  This includes proper nutrition, exercise and getting rest.  These are the foundations for wellness and support us when the stress load is higher.

Pay attention to the stress load of family members and look for ways to de-stress together.  Watching or reading comedy can help in the same way that avoiding dark and haunting material can.

Everyone is unique and there are no “pat” answers; be sure to seek assistance for better understanding for yourself and your loved ones.

If you are interested in learning more, take part in one of the following community forums: