During Suicide Prevention Month, Healthy Natrona County, a Natrona County health coalition initiative, is sharing important resources to get help and tips to open the conversation around suicide. They want to remind the community that it’s important to take the time to talk with someone about suicide and that breaking the stigma can start with you.
Wyoming is Ranked #1 for Suicide Rates in the U.S.
Since 2018, Wyoming has ranked highest for suicide rates per capita. Suicide is a major problem and devastation to Wyoming’s communities and it’s everyone’s duty to help reduce these rates.
This month is a great time to begin taking precautionary steps to help prevent suicide, including locking up firearms as they are used in 65% of suicides in Wyoming, disposing of old prescriptions, and getting educated on the warning signs of suicide, which can include (but are not limited to) talking about being a burden to others, increased alcohol or drug use, feelings of isolation and hopelessness, sleeping too much or too little and experiencing feelings such as depression, rage or anxiety.
Finding Help for Yourself
If you are experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, it’s critical to take care of your mental health and seek help. Several local and national resources are available so you don’t have to suffer through these feelings alone. Local resources in Natrona County include Central Wyoming Counseling Center, Wyoming Behavioral Institute, Mercer Family Resource Center, National Alliance for Mental Illness – Wyoming, Safe2Tell and the Wyoming Text Line: Text WYO to 741-741.
National resources include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Healthy Natrona County also provides a hub for suicide prevention resources. Every second counts when it comes to your mental health and wellbeing. Take time to talk with one of these safe, confidential resources. It could save your life.
Talking to Others about Suicide
It can be tough to start the conversation around suicide, but if not now, when? Healthy Natrona County provides steps to get the conversation started so you don’t have to suffer in silence. First, don’t blame yourself for feeling this way. Mental health is not a weakness. Next, pick someone you feel comfortable talking to, like a spouse, friend, family member, therapist, crisis center or confidential text line. Then, start expressing how you are feeling, the difficulties you have or other struggles. Finally, recognize your inner strength by asking for help and keep moving forward with healing.
Breaking the Stigma
Conversation around physical health is so normalized, but society has not made it that way when it comes to mental health due to the stigma around these conversations and fear of judgment when speaking about suicide. Healthy Natrona County encourages you to talk. Don’t wait another minute, and just start the conversation with someone you trust about your mental health. Breaking the stigma starts with you.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. It’s time to normalize conversations around suicide and finding help. Resources and additional information about suicide prevention can be found on the Healthy Natrona County website.
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