16 Acquisition International - Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2022 Apr22632 Regional Mental Health Initiative of the Year - Northeast USA eaching Out About Depression and Suicide has been around since 2004, and its success is truly a result of its members’ desire to support those who have or are struggling with mental illness and/or suicide. None of the members of ROADS are paid, allowing the organisation to use 100% of donations received for the programme. Suicide continues to grow as a public health issue in Wisconsin, with the suicide rate having increased by 40% between the years 2000 and 2017. In 2020, 861 residents lost their lives to suicide. From these statistics, it’s clear to see just how vital organisations like ROADS are. ROADS wants to help those who are struggling with their mental health to find a reason to keep living. By calling its suicide prevention lifeline on 18002738255, individuals will be connected to a skilled, trained counsellor at a crisis centre in their area, any time, 24/7. Its website also provides links to a range of information pages to learn more and find other ways to get help. If you are concerned that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to learn how to recognise when someone is suicidal and ways of helping to prevent them fromharming themselves. There are five things that can be done that may help protect people from suicidal thoughts and behaviour. These can include: 1. Asking them “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” This isn’t an easy question to ask, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. 2. Keep them safe by reducing their access to dangerous items or places. This may not always be easy, but asking the person if they have a plan and removing or disabling it can make a difference. 3. Be there for them. Listen carefully to their thoughts and feelings. Research suggests that acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts rather than increase them. 4. Help them to connect to a helpline (visit www.suicidestop.com/ R Reaching Out About Depression and Suicide Inc (ROADS) is made up of Wisconsin community members who are working to increase the recognition of issues surrounding depression and suicide while creating awareness of available resources, education, and support. ROADS is available in the Shawano County, Wisconsin area for trainings in the area of suicide prevention, covering ending the stigma around mental illness and suicide. The team at ROADS would like their awards success in this issue of Acquisition International to be in honour of those who walk the roads of mental illness and suicide, and for those who do walk those roads to know they are not alone. call_a_hotline.html for a list of helplines around the world) by saving the number into their phone in case they need it. You can also help them to make a connection with a trusted individual such as a family member, friend, or mental health professional. 5. Stay connected with them after a crisis or after being discharged from care. Studies show that the number of suicide deaths go down when someone follows up with the at-risk person. So, how do you spot when someone is struggling? There are a number of warning signs to look out for, including them talking about wanting to die or kill themselves; talking about feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or having no reason to live; talking about feeling trapped or that there are no solutions; feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain; talking about being a burden to others; withdrawing themselves from family and friends; giving away important possessions; saying goodbye to family and friends; putting affairs in order, such as making a will; stockpiling pills or buying a gun; drinking alcohol or using drugs more often; and putting themselves in risky situations that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast. It is important to know that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are signs of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If you find you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone else who is, please get help as soon as possible. Company: Reaching Out About Depression and Suicide Inc Email: joelyeakey@gmail.com Website: roadshelp.org
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