~ Bailey Shawley, M.Ed, CCTS-F, Specialized Parenting and Educational Consultant
On Sunday, Sept. 15, I participated in the Clinton County Out of the Darkness Walk as a community resource provider. My husband and I also donated raffle baskets from our other businesses, which is something we have done for quite some time. But, yesterday was the first time I’ve attended an Out of the Darkness Walk, and I sincerely regret that I never had gone before yesterday.
Walk co-chairs Carolyn Shade and Pam Peter oversaw the event, and the sponsors, participants, vendors, and volunteers spent time honoring loved ones lost to suicide, sharing resources, and building hope. As a first-time attendee, I appreciated hearing stories about why others were involved. I also learned about the beads, provided by the Out of the Darkness Walk, worn by attendees to symbolize their connections to the cause. It was a day filled with support and hope, and I strongly encourage everyone to get involved by donating, volunteering, or participating. There’s also still time to donate.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Currently, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also reports that for Americans aged 10-34, suicide is the second leading cause of death and that 54% of Americans have been affected by suicide in some way.
Suicide can be prevented. We must invest in suicide prevention efforts, education, research, and advocacy. We also need to combat mental health stigma so that people struggling with mental health issues do not hesitate to seek help and treatment.
Anyone struggling with mental health or needing emotional support can find a mental health provider in your area by asking your doctor for a referral, calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card, or searching online for local therapists and counselors. Students in public schools also can visit their school outreach workers, school social workers, or school counselors for assistance, and college students can visit their on-campus counseling centers or student support services. My colleagues at Pine Creek Valley Wellness Center also offer in-person and telehealth counseling sessions, and I provide consultations for people struggling with the stressors of their personal and professional lives.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are local to Clinton and Lycoming Counties, you also can call the Center for Community Resources at 1-844-707-3224 or text 63288 for 24/7 Crisis Intervention. You do not have to walk alone.
When you’re ready to schedule an individual, parenting, or group consultation, reach out or click the button below to schedule using the secure client portal. The initial consultation is free of charge to make sure we are a good fit. You also can schedule a full-hour or half-hour Reiki healing session. All B Connecting, LLC services are confidential and judgment free.
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