The last session at our recent agent update on campus provided important information about a timely topic: suicide. With September noted as Suicide Prevention Month, it is the perfect time to bring some thoughts about this subject to the forefront.
Research shows that the majority of those who attempt suicide give some warning signs – verbal, written, or behavioral. Depression in youth bears special attention, since it is often undetected in middle and high school students, and young adults, and therefore goes untreated. At the other end of the lifespan, the same is true of our elders. Most young people and elders enjoy life, but for those who become depressed – if effective treatment is not initiated – death by suicide can become a significant risk.
Failure to recognize and respond to suicide warning signs may reflect both our lack of knowledge about suicide, as well as our basic fear about the subject itself. From the research, we know how to restore, rebuild and maintain hope. What helps suicidal people most is connection to others, planning for the future, engagement with a helper, a return to core values and beliefs, and confirming or finding a sense of purpose in life.
Our suicide prevention task force which is a part of our Central Kansas Partnership brings passionate people together to discuss suicide and take action. There are two activities I want to bring to your attention that are planned later this month. The 9th annual Golden Belt Glow Run for Life 5k/1 mile run is set for Saturday, Sept. 18th, from 6-10 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend. Glow for Life is an awareness and remembrance event that raises awareness for suicide prevention. This event supports suicide prevention by providing a quality walking and running event in memory of those we have lost and in honor of their family and friends. Proceeds will be used to sponsor community suicide prevention education. Event registration, sponsorship forms and luminary sales forms can be found at ckpartnership.org/prevention or thecentergb.org. Contact Holly Bowyer at Hollyb@thecentergb.org for more information.
Another event that I am involved in is a Pedal for Prevention bike ride set for Friday, Sept. 17th, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Great Bend Bike Park. Pilot Club members will be on hand before the ride to fit free bicycle helmets on riders of all ages. My husband, John, and I will be leading the bike ride from the Bike Park at Brit Spaugh to the large west shelter at Veterans Park. We will take riders by the Bicycle Campground that is being developed behind Central Baptist Church on the way. The ride is in remembrance of Devin. Devin’s parents have designed T-shirts that will be available for riders. Everyone is welcome at both of these events.
I would also like to invite you to take a look at our Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page. There are several “Wellness Wednesday” posts that include short videos created by staff at High Plains Mental Health, that address mental health topics.
I also want to recognize the good work our Great Bend Center for Counseling and Consultation is doing in the area of suicide prevention. I invite you to take a look at their website to learn more about the #Zero Reasons Why program that focuses on removing the stigma, building community support and committing to education.
Please take some time to raise your own awareness about suicide and participate in the community events that you can during the month ahead.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.
