An upcoming panel in Lawrence and a supportive event in Baldwin City will focus on suicide prevention, as well as remembering loved ones lost to suicide.
“Support for those of us with suicide losses decreases our own risk of suicide,” according to a news release from organizers. “Being open about using supports is suicide prevention for the next generation.”
Brooks Robertson of HeadQuarters Kansas, therapist Nicole Rials and social worker Marcia Epstein will serve as panelists for the Interfaith Mental Health Outreach event coming up Thursday in Lawrence. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Douglas County will have an informational table at the event as well.
“The host, IMHO, is open to all faith communities in Douglas County, KS, with the overall purpose of building support networks and decreasing stigma related to all aspects of mental well-being,” according to the release.
The panel is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 on the lower level of St. John’s Catholic Church at 1234 Kentucky St., and a Q&A with panelists will follow. More information is available at this link.
A recognition of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Baldwin First United Methodist Church, 704 Eighth St. in Baldwin.
“So many of us have lost loved ones to suicide. Even if we rarely tell people,” according to the release.
The event is geared toward adults and older teens.
“We encourage people to bring photos and mementos of their loved ones. We help each other when we are in a circle talking and listening about those loved ones and about how we are living with that grief,” according to the release.
Organizers ask people to register for the gathering by Wednesday, Nov. 20 at this link to help them make sure they have enough supplies, but people will be welcome even if they have not registered.
Both events are free to attend and open to the public.
Get mental health help in Lawrence
These resources are available 24/7 if you or someone you know needs immediate mental health help:
• Douglas County Treatment and Recovery Center: 785-843-9192; 1000 W. Second St. in Lawrence; trcdgks.org
• Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center: 785-843-9192; bertnash.org
• HeadQuarters Kansas: 785-841-2345; hqkansas.org
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988; veterans, press 1
• SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator and Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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