Together, we can combat 'silent epidemic' of suicide

Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones to suicide in Douglas County. We were doing noticeably better lowering the rate since the first of the year. There were three until June 6, and we lost another teenager.

This is being called by many the "silent epidemic" that is going through our nation claiming the lives of our young people. It is interesting that we don't seem to notice it as much until it comes closer to home, until one of our very own ends their life. Then we keep asking ourselves "why?" "What is going on?"

Here are some facts about youth suicide, maybe post them on your refrigerator as a daily reminder; it really could happen to any of us:

• Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24 and fourth for ages 10-14;

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college-aged youth;

• Each week we lose approximately 100-plus young people to suicide in our nation;

• Four out of five young people who attempt suicide have given clear warnings of their goal.

Here are some signs to be concerned about: Depression, abrupt changes in behavior, mood swings, crying spells, recent grief or losses (even the loss of a pet), changes in school performance, giving away treasured belongings, suicidal threats, hopelessness.

Don't wait to talk with your children! Don't let them become a statistic!

You may be unaware there is the nonprofit Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County here to help you and your family.

The mission statement of our agency is to provide suicide intervention, prevention, education and support services for all of Douglas County. Our county commissioners understand this need and recently generously helped financially to continue our efforts by supporting our services as did the Douglas County volunteer firefighters.

Their donations are for operating expenses, but we still need people who are "movers and shakers" committed to helping keep this extremely sad horrific act from happening. We are looking for people who will volunteer their own time to serve on our advisory board and help raise money to support our efforts to stop this silent epidemic in our community.

As the saying goes, "It takes a village" to come together to solve this problem. By helping us it won't take much of your time, only one to two hours monthly as an advisory board member.

We have two different support groups. The first Tuesday of each month for those who have attempted or contemplated suicide, we have a group called Recapturing Resilience. On the first and third Thursdays, our Survivors of Suicide Group meets. Each group begins at 6 p.m. and usually ends around 7:30 p.m.

Please call 783-1510 for more information.

There is no fee to attend these groups. If you need referrals, we have a long list of qualified people ready to help you.

We are here to help you and have many ideas and activities planned to bring more understanding to this Valley. However your help is essential to strengthen our endeavors as we continue to bring consciousness and awareness to our community and together we will make a difference. Remember, suicide is everyone's business.

Debbie Posnien is the executive director of the Suicide Prevention Network. Orita Keebaugh is support group facilitator. They can be reached at 783-1510. The Suicide Prevention Network office is 1702 County Road, Suite A-3, Minden.