TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — As September marks Suicide Prevention Month, many people in the community want those who may be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts to know that there are resources to help.
Team of Mercy offers assistance to individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide survivors.
For Christina Christ, Executive Director of Team of Mercy, Sept. 13 will mark the eighth year since she lost her daughter to suicide.
“Loved ones are gravely affected by their death,” Crist said. “It leaves us in a wake of destruction. It leaves us with a hole that can never be filled.”
Missy Burton with the Hamilton Center said some people may be scared to ask for help or don’t know how to reach out.
“Help is always available. I know a lot of times folks, they might think that people around them are better off without them and the fact, that really is depression speaking that is not in reality the truth” Burton said. “Both within their peer group, in their community and with their local mental health centers.”
Christ said suicide is the number one preventable death in the country and added that just by being there for someone, you can truly make a difference in that person’s life.
“Really just paying attention to every person as an individual,” Crist said. “Seeing what their situation is and trying to thus fit, meet their needs.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many people and Burton said she believes it has impacted a lot of students over the last year and a half.
“It’s impacting our students at every grade level because there’s those milestone events that our students look forward to, even if it’s the end of the school picnic,” Burton said. “They’re missing out on those milestones events that would be a big part of their life.”
On Friday, Sept. 10 at Fairbanks Park, a fifth annual vigil will be held in memory of suicide victims.
