Suicide awareness workshop provides tools to save lives

By Erin Callaway

    The first week of February brought yet another national headline about a young person who attempted suicide. Sadly, that story is one of many that will hit the news in 2014 – in large part because people aren’t willing to acknowledge that suicide is a tragedy that can affect anyone, even themselves.
    Plainly put, no one wants to talk about suicide.

    Ironically, it’s avoidance of the topic that leaves people and communities vulnerable. That’s why Guilford residents Cynthia and Russell Scott are hosting a free Suicide Prevention and Awareness Workshop and potluck at their home this Saturday, Feb. 15.
    “We lost a loved one to suicide almost 25 years ago and we’re still asking why,” says Cynthia Scott. “We pray that no one else ever has to experience that.”
    Unfortunately, people throughout Maine do experience the terrible pain that comes when someone dies by suicide. According to Maine’s Suicide Prevention Program, the state’s suicide rate consistently ranks higher than other parts of New England. In particular, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24.
    Saturday’s program runs from 3 to 7 p.m. and features a 90-minute presentation by Cheryl Morin, founder of the JD Foundation in Abbot. Morin and her family were forever changed by suicide when Cheryl’s teenage son Joe took his life in 2005. Morin created the JD Foundation in Joe’s honor — and as a way to increase suicide prevention through awareness and education.
    “No one should ever feel like killing themselves. I urge everyone to get educated,” Morin says.
    Her presentation teaches people about the risk factors for suicide, how to recognize signs that a person might be suicidal, and the tools to intervene when someone is at risk. Participants are encouraged to stay after the talk for discussion and a potluck meal.
    According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, 12 suicide attempts are made for every suicide death. That means every time a story about a suicide hits the news there are many others that are never told.
    No one wants to think that one of those stories could be about someone they know. But not talking about that possibility doesn’t make it go away. Saturday’s workshop offers hope — and a chance to save lives. For directions or more information about the workshop call Scott at 564-2604. To learn about the JD Foundation, visit www.thejdfoundation.org.