Portage County Suicide Prevention Coalition is a local group of agencies and individuals who are working to increase awareness of the risk of suicide and reduce the stigma surrounding it. The Coalition's mission is to offer training and provide education and prevention tools to schools and people of all ages in Portage County. The coalition is also working to reduce the stigma of suicide and depression by providing presentations. The group meets the third Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. at the MHRB, 155 E. Main St., Kent. New members are welcome. Call Paul Dages, the coordinator, at 330-678-3006 for more information.
What are the warning signs? They include: feeling depressed; life crises, such as relationship problems, school difficulties and financial issues; talking about death and suicide; giving away prized possessions; taking unnecessary, dangerous risks; having a predetermined method of suicide and sharing it; appearing suddenly happy after a long depression; withdrawing from family and friends; losing interest in regular activities; changing eating and sleeping habits; access to firearms; and family history of depression and suicide.
Teens may show many of the same may signs but may exhibit some unique symptoms including childhood trauma and abuse; recent break up of a relationship; presence of a psychiatric disorder; frequent expressions of rage; increasing use of alcohol or drugs; exposure to another's suicidal behavior; family instability and significant family conflict. In addition, teens who are being bullied and/or those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender are at increased risk.
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Depression is a major cause of suicide. Depression is a mood disorder that can occur at anytime across the lifespan. The risk for suicide increases when the depressed person abuses drugs and/or alcohol. For most people, depression is highly treatable.
Persons with severe and persistent mental illness are at high risk for suicide. Older adults are also an at risk population.
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Portage County has 24-hour crisis intervention services through Coleman Professional Services and Townhall II. Both agencies answer crisis calls and offer walk-in services.
The numbers for Townhall II’s 24-hour suicide prevention HELPLINE are 330-678-HELP(4357) and toll free 1-866-449-8518. The agency is open for walk in counseling from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday at its offices, 155 N. Water Street, Kent. Persons needing help should call the HELPLINE before arriving.
Coleman Access Services at 3922 Lovers Lane, Ravenna, is available for calls and walk-in counseling any time of day. The 24-hour phone numbers are 330-296-3555 and toll free 1-877-796-3555.
For information about the Coalition, contact: Amie Cajka, 330-673-1756, ext 207, amiec@mental-health-recovery.org