From the McHenry County 708 Mental Health Board:
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, the McHenry County Mental Health Board (MHB) and McHenry County Suicide Prevention Taskforce encourage our entire community to help prevent suicide.
Vigilance is especially important this year due to the increased stress, anxiety and depression people may be experiencing with COVID-19.
According to a recent study published by the CDC, MORE THAN 4 IN 10 Americans are struggling with mental health issues stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
ELEVEN PERCENT of respondents said they had seriously considered suicide in the 30 days prior to the survey.
Normalizing conversation around mental health helps break stigma.
“Everyone can learn to recognize the warning signs, show compassion, offer support, and seek help for themselves if needed,” said MHB Executive Director, Scott Block.
MHB and the McHenry County Suicide Prevention Taskforce have embraced a population health approach to suicide prevention.
QPR—Question, Persuade, and Refer—is an evidence based practice that
focuses on how to recognize persons who may be at risk of suicide, persuade them to seek and accept help, and refer them to appropriate resources.
For more information on QPR, contact NAMI McHenry County at 815-308-0851 or visit www.mchenrycountyqpr.org.
If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact the McHenry County Crisis Line at 1-800-892-8900 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
Don’t forget to Download the MCHELP App on your phone for access to text and voice crisis services and visit the MHB website at www.mc708.org for local mental health resources.
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About the McHenry County Mental Health Board:
The McHenry County Mental Health Board (MCMHB) is a special purpose unit of government operating in accordance with the Community Mental Health Act (Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 405, Act 20, Section 0.1
et.seq.). In carrying out the statutory mandates of the Community Mental Health Act, the MCMHB stands accountable to the community and embraces its role as a responsible and trusted steward of local taxpayer dollars.