Wabasha County, MN – September is a month of change in Wabasha County. It is the first month of fall, SeptOber Fest decorations take over Wabasha, football kicks-off, we start drinking our coffee hot, leaves start falling, and everything starts to feel cozy. September is also Suicide Prevention Month, and we are asking for your help to change the stigma around having the hard conversations and bring awareness to a major public health concern.
Since 2000, deaths by suicide have been rising at a steady and alarming rate. It is the eighth leading cause of death in Minnesota and tenth nationally. According to the CDC in the past two decades, suicide rates have been consistently higher in rural areas. Between the years of 2000-2020, suicide rates increased 46% in rural areas compared to 27.3% in urban areas. Suicide can be prevented and people contemplating suicide can get better, but both require intervention, information, and cooperation.
Knowledge of risk factors and warning signs is the first way to increase suicide awareness. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Main risk factors can include depression and other mental disorders, substance use disorder, chronic pain, personal or family history of suicide, exposure to violence, or having recently been released from prison or jail. Stressful events and interpersonal stressors may also contribute to suicide risk, especially when they occur alongside other risk factors. Warning signs include talking about suicide, talking about feeling empty or hopeless, feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain, talking about being a burden to others, withdrawing, giving away possessions, saying goodbye, getting affairs in order, and taking life-threatening risks. Please note that this list is not comprehensive. Close friends and family are often the first to recognize significant changes and warning signs and can take the first step toward helping a loved one.
Wabasha County has several crisis services. The preferred intervention would be for you to contact the Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Team which is available 24 hours a day. Mental Health Practitioners and Professionals are available to provide needed support through the phone or they can be dispatched to your home or another location in the community. Call the Crisis Response Team at: 1-844-CRISIS2 or 1-844-274-7472.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available to anyone, any time of day: Dial “988”
You may also use the Crisis Text Line: Text the word “HOME” to 741741 for assistance. A trained counselor will be available to help.
A “Warmline” is also available in Minnesota. This is a safe and free way for individuals to receive confidential and anonymous support from trained peers. The Warmline is available seven days a week from 5pm-9am. Call: 1-844-739-6369 to talk to someone today.
If you are worried that you may harm yourself or others, you can access immediate assistance by calling 911.
Wabasha County Public Health wants you to remember that whether you are struggling with a crisis yourself, or you have a loved one dealing with a difficult situation, you are not alone. Never feel bad for utilizing any of the above resources. “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” –Glenn Close
