TOLEDO, Ohio — Suicide rates in the U.S. rose 3% from 2021-2022 due to two major factors, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder: easier access to opioids and a shrinking federal safety net leading to tough economic times.
Local organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Toledo offer a wide variety of resources for people who are struggling with mental health.
"You're not alone. I think people on their worst days feel like no one wants to listen to them. A big piece of what we say is asking for help isn't personal failing," said Marrisa Kornowa, NAMI of Greater Toledo's executive director.
NAMI doesn't offer direct therapy, but it can give people a sense of community by providing connections with various groups of like-minded individuals who are also struggling. All you need to do is pick up the phone.
"We have a family support group, a peer support group, a young adult support group and a northern African support group as well," Kornowa said. "It might take a while to get back to a therapist, so plugging into the support groups is a great way to do that."
But Kornowa says she knows there are people who are battling demons who won't seek help on their own.
That's why NAMI also offers classes for people to become community ambassadors and learn what to say to someone dealing with suicidal thoughts and how to steer the conversation toward seeking help.
"You have a role to play in suicide prevention and normalizing these conversations," Kornowa said.
It's the same training Kornowa says NAMI implements into the Toledo Police Department's crisis intervention training. This is the same training an officer used Monday afternoon to convince a person to step off the edge of the Veterans Memorial Skyway bridge and seek help.
"They need to be prepared for how to not make that situation worse by triggering language or not touching someone having a psychosis or crisis, so that's something we're very proud of," Kornowa said.
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The National 988 Suicide & Crisis 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.