Today’s presenters were Mary Ellen Wright, Ann Witte, and Rita Geilfus from the
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Walworth County. The vision of this organization is:
Walworth County Emotionally Healthy Suicide Free This organization speaks with area civic and faith based organizations to raise awareness in the community about the problem, provide resources about this topic, ensure that school based programs exist, and educate community members in suicide prevention.
In 2015, there were 17 local deaths by suicide; with the highest rate in individuals 25-44 in age. Most individuals who die by suicide have an associated mental illness, such as depression or substance abuse. Risk factors can include: substance abuse, depression, chronic health conditions or pain, major life stressors, prolonged stress factors, access to lethal means, family history of suicide, exposure to graphic or sensationalized accounts, or previous suicide attempts.
There are many myths about suicide such as: People who talk about killing themselves are usually not serious, people who are suicidal tend to hide it well, and by talking about suicide you might encourage the idea of it. Signs we should watch for and recognize in people considering suicide may come from things they say including being a burden to others, remarking about unbearable pain, saying they have no reason to live or are feeling trapped, They may even announce that they want to kill themselves. Signs to watch for include: isolation from family or friends, sleeping too much or too little, reckless behavior, or an individual giving away belongings.
Our presenters also shared that in discussing a suicide, it is important to be aware of the verbal phrasing we use in society. Instead of stating that a person “committed suicide”, we could instead say that an individual died by suicide or ended their life by suicide.
When assisting a person in need, who may be contemplating suicide, it is important to “ACT”. This acronym stands for: Acknowledge, Care, Tell . This means that we should acknowledge that there may be a concern. It is critical that you ask,“Are you thinking of suicide?”. Next, tell the person that you care. Finally, tell someone to help provide the support they will need.
Local resources available to support individuals in need include: 262-741-3200 Walworth County Local Crisis Line: 262-741-3200 and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK .
We can also support this organizations annual fundraiser. Walk to Fight Suicide: Walworth Co Out of the Darkness Community Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct 27, 2018 will be held at the Walworth CO Fair Grounds.
Announcements and Other Business:
Looking for 1-2 high school students to attend June 23 – June 29 at Carroll University
NCAA Pool - Ted Johnson emailed out to membership. $5 to entry and entries needed to be in by 3/15.
Oral History for Elkhorn - Chad Robinson shared that they are beginning to interview and record the history of Elkhorn. Frank Eames was the first person interviewed on 3/14.
Please Note – the Rotary Board Meeting will be on March 21st following the meeting
May 4th and 5th - Rotary Conference for new members at the Dells, some funds are available to cover the costs of attending.