As we get set to turn the calendar to September this week, a local healthcare group is promoting messages around suicide awareness.
September is Suicide Prevention Month and Jessica Smiley with Heritage Behavioral Health Services indicates studies suggesting a rise in depression and other mental and emotional health issues are starting to increase in the wake of the COVID pandemic lockdowns.
According to Smiley, there is a lot of negative stigmas surrounding seeking help for the emotional and mental challenges plaguing individuals. She believes one of the bigger stigmas is the reaction from those close to us.
As Americans continue to deal with social distancing isolation, Smiley encourages finding a way to connect. Whether it is a traditional phone call or a face time phone call, there are ways to stay connected with your loved ones. She stresses we need those connections and encourages getting creative.
As with many issues, the first step in getting help is recognizing you need help and taking the appropriate measures to reach out to someone. Smiley indicates the first person you reach out to does not have to be a professional, but rather a family member, friend, teacher, or pastor.
Get in contact with Heritage about any challenges you're facing by calling them at -217-362-6262. If you need immediate help, hit '1' right after dialing the number and you'll be connected to a crisis worker.
Throughout the month of September on WHOW, we'll hear from individuals with all types of connections to mental health. From authorities to counselor's like Smiley (Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 am), some include Farmer City Police Chief Nate Guest (Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 9:30 am), Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers (Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:30 am), and Tony Kirkman from the Piatt County Mental Health Center (Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 9 am).
