Submitted by Dodie Melvin of NAMI Knox and Licking Counties –
The tragic death of Robin Williams has created an opportunity for all to understand that mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it is real and left untreated can result in such a tragedy as we are seeing right now – Robin Williams was not alone in his fight to overcome addiction and bipolar depression disease. These illnesses do not discriminate – anyone, young or old, rich or poor are vulnerable. We have seen these statistics before, but somehow they do not seem believable until a famous person such as Robin Williams becomes one of the statistics.
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., and the third leading cause of death for ages 15 to 24 and more than 90% of those who die by suicide had one or more mental disorders. Robin’s death is a prime example that any death by suicide has a profound effect on those left behind. Robin was dealing with two serious and real brain illnesses – addiction and bipolar depression. It appears he tried desperately to manage both. May his death serve as an inspiration to others to hang on and fight the fight and for society to get in there and help them with the battle by learning the facts about brain disorders and how they must be managed.
As a mental health education agency, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) can provide help to caretakers and loved ones of the mentally ill through its Family to Family Mental Health Education program. We are taking registrations now for the free class which will begin September 8. Those having a mental illness also get help by joining a support group and meeting with others who have like illnesses such as our Peer support group which meets two times monthly. We also offer a support group for family members and/or loved ones who can share their concerns with others. Education is an integral part of therapy and recovery in addition to being properly diagnosed and medically treated. Our agency has free literature for the taking and we welcome visitors who just want to chat.
In Knox County, we are lucky to have a Suicide Prevention Coalition which is working toward bringing about the prevention of suicides by making folks aware to the signs and symptoms leading to a death by suicide, what to do and where to go for help. The upcoming 5K Walk/Run on September 13 is one way of calling attention to the facts and risks associated with suicidal ideation. Our hope as a coalition is that we can pull others in community into joining our effort as “gatekeepers,” such as family physicians and clergy. Suicide is everyone’s business – we all need to be aware of the signs and get help for those who may be at risk. Our Coalition’s tag line is “Inspire hope – save a life.” The Coalition meets the second Thursday of the month, 9:00 a.m., at the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
The Knox County sheriff’s department and the police departments make on the average of about ten runs a month on those who are either attempting or threatening suicide. The Pathways of Licking and Knox County 2-1-1 crisis line reports on the average per month of about that many as well. For instance in June, from Knox County callers, the crisis hotline received eight calls – six threats, and two attempts. Of those were an 18 year-old female and a 31 female listed as “attempt” and a 15 year-old female as a threat.
The Crisis Hotline 2-1-1 is a good number to call for immediate help, and of course there is always 9-1-1. Anyone associated with someone whom they feel is at immediate risk for harming themselves should call 9-1-1 and ask that a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) trained officer be dispatched to the scene. Our NAMI “We Care” Chat line is not a crisis line, but the volunteers are trained to listen – and sometimes that is all that is needed with folks who are lonely and who have lost hope.
My best advice to anyone if they feel there loved one is at risk, just be straight forward and ask the question, “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” Personally, I take the comment, “I wish I was dead,” seriously. I ask the question and then I listen. Get help if it is needed. The web site suicidepreventionlifeline.org is one everyone can go to for information as to the signs and symptoms and what to do (and not do) when someone is at risk. Another site is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: http://www.afsp.org
Suicide is a very permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is hope and there is help. 1-800-273 TALK (8255) is the number to call – don’t be afraid to speak up and reach out.
