Here’s what Mahoning Valley residents can expect at suicide prevention town hall on Aug. 1
This article is about suicide. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
More Ohioans are suffering from mental illness and dying from suicide, especially in the greater Mahoning Valley area.
In response to a steady increase in suicide deaths in recent years, the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board wants the public to attend a free in-person town hall to discuss best prevention methods.
Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, said the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services helped organize the town hall.
“Over the past several years the number of people taking their own lives has increased at an alarming rate,” said Piccirilli. “Our community reached out to our state partner to help us address this issue and come up with a plan of action.”
The town hall is at 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Aug. 1 at the Campus of Care located at 1960 E. County Line Road in Mineral Ridge.
During the town hall, residents can expect to hear information from local and state experts on common warning signs, as well as ways to help those experiencing a mental health crisis.
There will be resources from OhioMHAS and a chance to have a say in a localized suicide prevention action plan, according to leaders.
How many Ohioans are affected every year?
According to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, five Ohioans die by suicide per day.
Eighty percent of Ohio suicide deaths are men. Ohioans between the ages of 35-44 had the highest rate of suicide deaths.
Looking at Mahoning County, there were 41 suicide deaths in 2021, which increased to 44 in 2022 and 53 in 2023.
So far in 2024, 29 people have died from suicide in Mahoning County, which Piccirilli’s office said is “on pace to reach a new high for the fourth consecutive year.”
What are the warning signs?
“Suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored,” said Piccirilli. “If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.”
Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:
Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Giving away important possessions
Withdrawing from family and friends
Talking about being a burden to others
Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Changing eating or sleeping habits
Acting anxious or agitated
Using alcohol or drugs more often
Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential support.
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This story was originally published July 26, 2024 at 11:02 PM.
