Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Last night the fourth and final program of the Suicide Awareness & Prevention part of May's Mental Health Awareness Month was held in Huntley. Previous programs were held in other parts of McHenry County earlier this month.

An informational video, produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://www.afsp.org/), was shown, and discussion followed.

We are fortunate to have strong local resources for suicide prevention here. The McHenry County Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling (800) 892-8900. If you believe you are at risk or if you know someone whom you consider at risk, call the Crisis Line. Ask how they can help you. This tollfree number can only be reached from Area Codes 815-, 847- and 224- (landline) telephone numbers.

If you are in McHenry County, you should be able to reach the Crisis Line from any cell phone number (even out-of-county phone numbers). If you cannot, call (815) 338-2500 and ask to be transferred to the Crisis Line. Also, there is a national suicide talk line at (800) 273-TALK (-8255).

If you live elsewhere, inquire before the need arises and know the number to call. In the event of an emergency involving a suicide risk or attempt, you can always call 9-1-1 or go directly to an emergency room.

A national survey in 2008-09 found that 8.4 million people had considered suicide and that 1.4 million had attempted suicide. This is no minor problem. Treat all symptoms seriously.

Locally, the rise in suicide is a concern. The anticipated rate of suicide in McHenry County is 6.9/100,000. With a population of just over 300,000, McHenry County would expect approximately 21 suicides in a year. However, in 2010 there were 37 suicides. And in 2011 the rate is running ahead of the 2010 rate.

The national suicide rate is 11.5 per 100,000, and the Illinois rate is 8.6 per 100,000.
For more information, contact the McHenry County Crisis Line (yes, you can call even if a crisis is not at hand) or visit www.nfsp.org/