HENDRICKS COUNTY – In 2017, 423 people in Hendricks County thought about or attempted suicide. In the State of Indiana as a whole, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth.
The vast majority of those who think about or attempt suicide also experience symptoms of both short-term or long-term mental illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 Indiana adults (20.6%) experienced any mental illness in the past year, 7.9% had a major depressive episode, 4.8% had a serious mental illness, and 4.2% had serious thoughts of suicide.
In order to spread awareness about mental illness and to prevent suicide, National Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month was launched for the US. This year, the Hendricks County Mental Health & Wellness Coalition is doing their part to spread the word and provide free learning opportunities that are open to the public. During the month of September 2019, events will include:
- September 4th at 7pm // Suicide Awareness and Prevention – Candlelight Vigil at the Courthouse, Danville // Details: http://bit.do/HC-Candlelight-Vigil
- September 17th // Crossroads church will host suicide prevention training for church leaders, led by Care to Change Counseling // Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/church-leader-roundtable-tackling-hard-topics-tickets-55074723982
- September 17th // Suicide prevention training at the YMCA, led by Care to Change Counseling // Registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suicide-prevention-training-tickets-66230419969
The members of the HC Mental Health & Wellness Coalition encourage all Hendricks County residents to attend one of the learning opportunities. If you or a loved one is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800- 273-8255 or text the Crisis Line at 741741.
