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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month and the focus of The Wellness Counsel during this time.
Dr Kenneth Buckle, PsyD LP and Executive Director of Gratia Plena Counselling Services was the guest speaker at this month’s meeting.
Dr.Buckle spoke about the high rate of suicide in the elderly and young people and shared some of the contributing factors to suicide – Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety & Schizophrenia as major contributors, along with traumatic losses, and often impulsivity.
Dr.Buckle expressed the need for everyone to know that there is help available and getting therapy does work, our job is to encourage anyone needing help to reach out.
Colorado County has Texana Behavioral Health Clinics in Columbus that serve the uninsured and under-insured for primary mental health issues and a second resource, available for citizens who need help.
Gratia Plena, a non-profit, faith-based counseling program located on the second floor of the Columbus Medical Clinic and Lisa Little, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the Clinician seeing patients locally. Little may be reached by calling 832-532-0129, or online at www.gratiaplenacounseling. org.
Little provides both inperson and virtual appointments, and sees adults, children, couples and families. She is experienced and trained in addressing issues such as Grief and Loss, Addictions, Parenting Skills, Spiritual Direction and her specialties of depression, anxiety, trauma and EMDR therapy. Their office in the Columbus Clinic is located at 2122 Hwy 71, Suite 204.
Another way to seek help is by utilizing the National 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is especially important in reducing suicide, because it offers help anonymously. This national network of local crisis centers provides free, 24/7, confidential support to anyone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide or is having a mental health crisis such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal thoughts and/or depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal thought, and/or substance abuse. Anyone who is in crisis can dial or text 988 to reach a trained operator who will listen, assess, and provide the help. They offer support in both English and Spanish and have specialists to deal with a variety of challenges including those who are Veterans, Deaf or in the LGBQT community.
Improving mental health starts with making it ok to reach out and seek help. That is why The Wellness Council continues to drive home the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health by conducting seven awareness campaigns each year.
Regarding National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, The Council is using a variety of means to spread the word including large 988 banners positioned throughout the county, flyers in schools, churches and businesses, 988 Crisis Line car magnets, business cards and suicide warning sign cards.
For more information about The Wellness Council and a list of mental health resources available in the county go to www.Wellness-GCV.org or visit the Facebook page for The Wellness Council of Greater Colorado Valley.
