‘It’s okay to ask for help:’ Opening up the conversation this National Suicide Prevention Month
DELMARVA – “He was someone a lot of people said they’d never expect to be depressed or go down a suicidal path,” Jesse Klump Memorial Fund Board Member Leah Klump said.
Jesse Klump was a Snow Hill High School student, star athlete, and community servant. He was only 17 when took his own life back in February 2009.
His sister, Leah Klump, says it came as a complete shock to the family. “He killed himself using a firearm which is actually the way most men choose to commit suicide,” Klump said.
September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shatter the stigma, raise awareness, and connect those in need with resources.
To keep Jesse’s memory alive, The Jesse Klump Memorial Fund was established back in July 2009. The nonprofit’s goal is to end the threat of suicide through outreach and education.
Since 2011, the nonprofit has also offered the Suicide Awareness and Prevention and Program. “We want to help recognize warning signs, how to respond when you know someone who’s feeling suicidal, and how to connect them with resources,” Klump said.
Nationally, suicide rates saw a 2.6% increase from 2021 to 2022 according to the CDC.
With those numbers on the rise, local psychologist Dr. Kathy Seifert says it’s crucial to open up the conversation. “We talk about suicide as that permanent solution to a temporary problem. We need to help people see that you have to find some solution to whatever problem that you’re struggling with,” Dr. Seifert said. “So that’s part of the change thats going on for everybody to understand that it’s okay not to be okay and it’s okay to ask for help.”
Klump said that before her brother died, he kept a journal and wrote a lot about the importance of helping people and giving back. 14 years later, they’re still on that mission. “If I can prevent other people from feeling that pain then that’s success in what we do,” she said.
The Jesse Klump Memorial Fund offers scholarships to those seeking a career in mental health. JKMF also hosts a survivor support group open to those who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.
The nonprofit will host the 15th annual Jesse’s Paddle event Saturday, September 16th at Pocomoke River Canoe Company. The event stands as their biggest fundraising effort of the year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, the 24/7 988 help line is available and can direct you to local mental health resources near you.
World Suicide Prevention Day is recognized on September 10th.
