While we are still in the midst of summer, there is a annual effort about to get underway to address the issue of suicide.
There have recently been a number of high profile suicides and too many others choosing to end their lives.
Justin Falon, LPC-MH, LAC, QMHP, a counselor with Catholic Family Services, Sioux Falls, points out that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month.
“Suicide rates are up nationwide by 30% since 1999,” Falon said during a recent interview on Catholic Views. “We don’t pretend to know what is going on in the lives of other people or what makes them choose to end their lives by suicide, but I want you to know that it’s going to be okay.”
More than 800,000 people commit suicide annually around the world.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those persons aged 15-29 globally.
At Catholic Family Services,
the counselors, including Falon, often focus on helping people who can identify that something is going on in their lives and they need help with those feelings.
“The most difficult part once they have that feeling is that they be able to connect with a resource,” said Falon. “That means making a phone call or telling a relative or a family member. Don’t keep that a secret.”
Falon went on to add that it requires the person to have the openness of mind to receive some feedback on the issue or feeling.
Catholic Family Services has a great range of counseling services to offer those in need and a number of group setting to help people in need.
Catholic Family Services and its counselors and staff are there for those in need and work with people to find the avenue that can help them in the best and most comprehensive and beneficial way.
If you or someone that you know is contemplating suicide, there is help available.
Catholic Family Services has a certified staff to teach a method of suicide prevention called QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). It’s an effective approach to helping someone that you may be concerned about. QPR can be taught to individuals and to organizations. Anyone can learn how.
Falon is working with some schools and parishes already and is open to helping others
For more information, call Catholic Family Services. Services are confidential. The number is 605-988-3775.
