TORRINGTON – September is Suicide Prevention month. A majority of people have been impacted by this in one way or another. This is why it is so important to talk about signs, preventative measures, and ways to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Lynette Saucedo, the Certified Prevention Specialist for Goshen County, spoke to the Telegram about these things to inform the community. 

There are several warning signs which may be visible if someone is considering attempting suicide. According to Saucedo these may look like: 

- Talking about being a burden to others

- Experiencing loss (employment, financial, position on a team or in a community, family member, friend, pet, driver’s license)

- Withdrawing from activities

- Feeling isolated from family, friends, and community

- Sleeping too much or too little

- Increased use of substances (including alcohol and medical use of prescription drugs)

- Experiencing moods such as depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability, anxiety or any other significant mood change, including suddenly seeming “calm”

We most frequently hear of this in the youth, but in the state of Wyoming, middle aged men are most at risk and nationally, men over 75. 

The senior population is the most overlooked when it comes to risk factor and attempts. They have the same risk factors as younger people; However, they have often experienced more loss and grief, they frequently struggle with loss of self-sufficiency rather it be physically or cognitively, they often experience a lot of pain and chronic illness, and they could be going through financial challenges after retirement. These are things to watch out for in our elders. The support for the senior population is the same as for young people. 

According to Saucedo, ways to support people who are going through a rough time or who may feel suicidal could include 

- Making sure they have someone to talk to

- Mental health advocacy 

- Someone to help support them through their challenges

- And especially a way to learn healthy coping skills 

Saucedo said healthy coping skills are a huge piece of prevention. It is important to know what these skills may look like. Everyone has unhealthy coping skills, some more dangerous than others, so she really emphasizes the need for healthy skills and why their important. Some examples she shared are building resilience skills, personally and on a wider scale. Surrounding yourself with healthy peers, this may include friends, family members, coworkers, etc. Being around positive people helps others have a more positive outlook on life. She said spirituality is a big healthy coping skill for many people. This may not just look like church and religion but may also be nature. Many people love hikes, exercise, and all around looking out for physical health. Another thing which really helps is generosity. Supporting others helps make people feel good. This could look like donating, volunteering, pretty much anything involving giving back. The final example she gave was mindfulness skills. This could be yoga or meditation. These are things which could be taught and guided by a mental health professional. 

Saucedo does trainings which can help people learn these signs and preventive skills. 

It is important to know what to do in the case of helping a friend or loved one who may have suicidal thoughts or feelings. Some important steps she shared are:

- Never leave a suicidal individual alone.

- Make sure you are safe and all possible weapons are removed 

- Reach out, asking about suicide does not increase risk

- Listen, talking things out can save a life

- Don’t do this all by yourself, get other safe people involved

- Don’t promise secrecy and don’t worry about being disloyal

- Call your local mental health center or emergency services 

It is also important to know who to contact in this situation. Saucedo shared resources available to anyone, whether you are suffering yourself, or you know someone who is. 

Accessing help: 

In an emergency, call 911. 

Suicide Prevention Resources:

- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline-24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors...can also still be accessed by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline-800-273-TALK(8255)

- Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860

- 866-488-7386…the Trevor project for LGBTQ individuals

- Text 741 741, to message with a trained crisis support person

- AgriStress Helpline-833-897-2474

- Veteran Crisis Line- 800-273-8255 and Press “1”, veteranscrisisline.net/chat, or text to 838255

- International Assoc. For Suicide Prevention-iasp.info/resources/crisis_centres

Safe Reporting Guidelines:

https://suicidology.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2018/12/Suicide-Media-Reporting-Extended-4-merged-1.pdf

Wyoming has always ranked in the top five in deaths by suicide, ranking third in 2022. It is also one of ten states offering resources specifically for people in agriculture because it is so big within the state. This resource is for crisis in general and is called the AgriStress Helpline, it is listed above. 

Although we have come a long way when it comes to support and prevention, there is still a way to go. As a community, we need to minimize the stigma. Saucedo believes getting help for mental health should be as easy and normal as going to the doctor for physical health. Mental health is a part of your physical health, it can have effects on the body in similar ways and should be regarded in the same matter. It needs to be addressed before crisis. 

“According to the World Health Organization, nearly everyone struggles with some type of mental health challenge in their lifetime. Yet, the stigma of reaching out for help has made addressing these challenges early, more of a struggle. Courageous individuals openly speaking about their lived experience with mental health challenges has done a world of good toward erasing the stigma of help seeking.  Many are well known celebrities that make a significant impact. Yet, there are those amazingly courageous local individuals who live among us, speak out about their own lived experiences in presentations, blogs and quietly on a bench. This fearlessness normalizes mental health challenges, shows us all how typical…yet individual…the struggles can be and that support and treatment works!  These brave people are productive, successful and significant citizens in our community,” Saucedo shared.  

The conversation needs to be more open. It is a private matter, but not a private discussion. Needing support should not be secretive because it makes it harder to access. The people of Goshen County are putting in work to make these things more of an important stance. 

“Goshen County CCC has provided Suicide Prevention and Postvention trainings for the GCSD#1, Goshen County First Responders, City of Torrington employees, Senior Friendship Center, Banner Health, North Hills Baptist Church, DFS, The PRACTICE Afterschool Program, the community at large, etc. Increasing the number of individuals, in a community, trained in the prevention of suicide markedly increases ‘noticing skills’ to provide support and referrals to those that need mental health assistance.  ‘It is important to note, in nearly all of these trainings, we hear back from participants that while they went through the training for their professional lives, they have been far more likely to use their skills in their personal lives with family, friends and loved ones,’ Saucedo shared. 

She believes it is important to educate in order to prevent. “Do the best you can. When we know better, we do better,” Saucedo said. 

Saucedo has so much more information and resources available for the people of Goshen County. She encourages others to speak out, share their story, seek help, and help normalize mental health care. When people struggle to help others, it can be because they are struggling themselves. Reach out to someone if you are struggling, reach out and make sure your friends and loved ones are doing okay. 

“September is Suicide Prevention Month.  September is also the month we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness, Alopecia Areata Awareness, International Week of the Deaf, National Preparedness Month, etc. As a community, Goshen County can support one another with compassion and dignity, and advocate for overall well-being 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  If you are interested in hosting or attending a suicide prevention or postvention training, please contact Lynette Saucedo, Certified Prevention Specialist, at 307-534-6566 or email lynettesaucedo@yahoo.com,” Saucedo shared as her final note. 

There is also an upcoming Suicide Symposium on October 3 and 4. This will be hosted in Casper. Please contact Lynette Saucedo if you are interested in learning more or attending any type of trainings.