KALAMAZOO, Mich. — September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so Gryphon Place is hosting several events to raise awareness and educate community members.
This included the Suicide Prevention Walk on Saturday at Bronson Park.
Gryphon Place, a nonprofit mental health service in Kalamazoo, says suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans ages ten-34 and the eleventh overall leading cause of death.
It’s also preventable.
Resilience and recovery are possible, and Gryphon Place has been helping people in conflict and crisis since 1970.
Other events throughout the month include(d):
- September 1-30: Round up your purchase at Harding's Market
- September 15-17: Book fair at "this is a bookstore & Bookbug"
- September 17-30: Pampered Chef Fundraiser
- September 26: safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training
- September 28: QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Warning signs from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center include:
- Talking about death or dying
- Looking for ways to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Ways to help include:
- Listen to what they're saying— be sympathetic and nonjudgmental
- Ask if they have had thoughts of suicide and take them seriously
- Do not leave them alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs and sharp objects that could be used to attempt suicide
- If an attempt seems imminent, call 9-8-8.
** If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential help 24/7. **
