Health professionals in Daviess County are sounding the alarm as the community grapples with an alarming surge in suicide deaths within the first few weeks of the new year. The suicide rates in Daviess County have already reached 25% of the total recorded in the previous year, prompting concerns and calls for increased awareness.
RonSonlyn Clark, the clinical director at Owensboro’s Boulware Mission, highlighted the complex factors contributing to this rise. Economic hardships, homelessness, and the impact of the holidays are just a few of the challenges individuals in the community are facing. Clark emphasized that there isn’t a singular reason behind the increase, citing a multitude of factors such as economic struggles, weather circumstances, and personal relationships.
The CDC reports that someone takes their own life approximately every eleven minutes, underscoring the urgency of addressing mental health crises. Clark identified hopelessness and helplessness as common denominators in suicide cases and urged community members to be vigilant for signs of distress in their loved ones.
Recognizing the diverse ways individuals express their struggles, Clark emphasized the importance of paying attention to signs such as withdrawal from family or friends, increased sadness, job loss, drug use, financial strain, or the end of a significant relationship.
Clark, whose personal connection to suicide fuels her commitment to the cause, stressed the need for open conversations about mental health at home. Encouraging parents to discuss mental health with their children, she mentioned the importance of understanding resources available, including the nationwide hotline at 988.
The 988 hotline connects individuals with trained clinicians at River Valley Behavioral Health locally, providing immediate assistance and access to crucial resources. Clark emphasized the urgency of seeking help promptly, emphasizing that hesitation might lead to irreversible consequences.
In conclusion, she urged community members to prioritize mental health, saying, “Forget the stigma, forget what people are going to say. They’re going to remember what they did for them.” Acknowledging the impact on families and friends, the community is urged to be vigilant and proactive in supporting those in need.
For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or seeking resources, a QR code in the Peace of Mind section is provided for quick access to relevant information.
