TOLEDO, Ohio — Suicide is a topic that is hard to talk about because it affects so many people across the nation and in Ohio.
Gov. Mike DeWine has announced a 2-year plan to reduce suicide in Ohio and collaborate with state programs to curb the number of deaths by suicide that affect the state.
It is a topic that is personal for Megan Scott, a nurse with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
"I know what it is like to be in that very dark space and so I know I can bring a different perspective to those who are survivors of loss and to people who have lost someone," Scott said.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control shows suicide is the third-most cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24 years old.
"I can't tell you how many times I'm out in the community and you see somebody and they come up to you and they say 'hey, I've lost a brother, or my mom, a cousin or a friend,'" Scott said. "And it just affects so many people and it's just important to make it a topic of conversation."
Ohio ranks 33rd in the nation for rate of death by suicide. These statistics are the reason why the state is looking for a solution and suicide prevention programs may help individuals battling depression.
"One of the areas that I used was going to support groups. Because in support groups, everybody understands you without you even having to open your mouth," Earlean Belcher, a suicide prevention advocate, said. "You are understood because everybody there has gone through it."
Belcher, who is a trained suicide prevention specialist, agrees with the state's plan to cut back on the stigma and taboos of suicide. She lost her grandson, AJ Burt, to suicide in 2017. He was 25 years old.
She said that empowering yourself can help a conversation and breakthrough for someone who may be struggling, and the stigmas discourage people from the help they need.
Scott, who helps organize Toledo's "Out of the Darkness Walk," said the annual event to raise awareness about suicide will take place Oct. 5 at Promenade Park in downtown Toledo.
If you are in need of support, seek help right away.
Mental Health Resources
The national 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone in distress and resources for anyone who may need help. By dialing 988, you can be connected with a local crisis center 24/7 for help. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
The Lucas County Emotional Support Line is available at 419-442-0580 from 8 a.m. to midnight and offers peer support.
If you want to talk to someone and are not in immediate danger, Text "HOME" to 741741 to be connected to the Crisis Text Line and a trained counselor. There is no charge and the information will not show up on your phone bill. You can also chat online at www.crisistextline.org
If you are a young member of the LGBTQ+ community and need help in any way, call the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386. Calls made to the Trevor Project are free and kept confidential.
Emergency Mental Health Support
The Lucas County CRISISCare line is available at 419-904-2273 to connect with a local, trained crisis counselor to discuss a mental health emergency 24/7.
The Wood County Crisis Line offers immediate assistance by calling 419-502-4673.
If a situation involves immediate danger to you or a loved one, NAMI Greater Toledo says calling 911 and talking with police may be necessary. It is important to tell 911 that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for police officers trained in crisis intervention (CIT.)