Wednesday death, a suicide

On Wednesday, Oct. 27, a death-by-suicide was being investigated by the Woodstock Police Department. Early on Wednesday morning a woman's scream was heard by residents at Prairie View Apartments, apparently when she discovered a body in a garage. Police quickly responded.

The policy at the Woodstock Police Department, and perhaps at other McHenry County law enforcement agencies, is not to issue a press release following a death by suicide.

In other words, hush it up. This is a short-sighted policy and one that needs to change. How to change it? Contact the Woodstock City Manager and the Mayor and the six members of the Woodstock City Council.

A series of four programs on suicide awareness and prevention was just concluded in McHenry County. The programs were presented by a team of representatives of Family Service & Community Mental Health Service, the McHenry County Crisis Line and Centegra Health Systems.

Information on awareness and prevention of suicides was given to attendees in four County locations. The final program was in Woodstock on the evening of October 26.

It is imperative to talk about suicide and to understand and recognize the factors that lead to suicide. Recognizing the signs and acting to intervene can, literally, save a person's life. Sometimes you have to stick your nose in someone else's business. Sometimes you have to intrude. Sometimes you have to refuse to go away, when they say they will be "okay."

Suicide prevention organizations stress the importance of not sensationalizing suicide. It is, indeed, a tragedy and for all concerned. Not all of them can be avoided.

Is it worth it to intrude? Yes. And don't get talked out of saving someone's life. That person thinks there is no option, no alternative. That it's the end of the line. It's not, but it looks that way to them. Get help by calling the McHenry County Crisis Line at 800.892.8900

You don't have to wait for a crisis to call. You can call for information. If you need to know what to do if someone is threatening suicide, call the Crisis Line today for that information.