Wicomico County Health Department speaks on Suicide Prevention

World Suicide Prevention

MARYLAND – Over 700,000 people across the world die from suicide every year according to the World Health Organization. It’s World Suicide Prevention Day, and this year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative.”

This new theme is aimed at reducing the stigma by shifting the culture of silence that’s associated with the struggle of depression. Michelle Hardy of the Wicomico County Health Department says they wear yellow to show support and encourage families to have difficult conversations.

Hardy says everyone faces mental health challenges, and anyone can suffer from depression, and it’s important to get help early. “Withdrawing from loved ones or friends, an overwhelming sense of sadness on an ongoing basis, feelings of anxiety, isolation, and just an overwhelming burden with life… Be direct and ask the question, are they thinking about killing themselves or are they thinking about dying by suicide.”

In the end, the Health Department’s message: suicides are preventable if you or someone you know may need help, you can call the Eastern Shore Crisis Response Team at 1-888-407-8018 the Life Crisis Center at 410-749-4357 (HELP), or Mayland’s Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or Suicide and Crisis Hot Line at 9 -8-8.