About two dozen community members gathered at Jim Hogg City Park Saturday morning to walk in support of suicide prevention and awareness.
The walk, hosted by UT Health Quitman Senior Life Solutions, was part of the program’s monthlong observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Representatives from The Andrews Center and Aspen Hospice joined UT Health Quitman Senior Life Solutions staff and community members for the walk, which was designed to raise awareness, encourage conversations about mental health and remind people of the importance of reaching out when someone may be struggling.
Before the walk began, UT Health Quitman Senior Life Solutions Program Director Crystal Lynn welcomed participants and offered encouragement to those who may be facing difficult circumstances, reminding them that they are enough.
Participants also received cards and magnets from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline listing warning signs that may indicate someone is at risk for suicide and information about where to turn for help.
According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website, warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden, withdrawing or becoming isolated, extreme mood swings and changes in sleeping habits. Warning signs may be particularly concerning when they are new, have increased or are related to a painful event, loss or major change.
The walk followed several other activities organized by UT Health Quitman Senior Life Solutions throughout September, including its “Paint the Town Purple and Teal” campaign, distribution of educational materials and a challenge encouraging local businesses to show their support for suicide prevention.
Nikki Wright, a representative of Aspen Hospice, said conversations about mental health should become as commonplace as those about physical health.
“We’re comfortable talking about physical checkups, but we rarely give ourselves permission to check in on our emotional and mental wellbeing. Speaking up may feel overwhelming, yet it can open the door to getting the cloud lifted. You deserve to feel the sunshine on your face again,” Wright said.
Lynn previously said education and open conversations about mental health can play an important role in prevention.
“We need to empower everyday people, not just professionals, to identify warning signs and have the courage to reach out to those that have critical shifts like social withdrawal, extreme mood swings or expressing hopelessness,” Lynn said.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline encourages people concerned about someone to reach out, listen without judgment and help connect the person with additional support.
Anyone experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, or anyone concerned about someone who is, can call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information can also be found at 988lifeline.org.
Lynn closed her welcome Saturday with a simple message of encouragement.
“Just keep going,” Lynn said.