“To those feeling hopeless, no matter how bad you are hurting, we want you to know …you are not alone and you matter.”
In light of the recent news from the Brunswick Police Department regarding missing 30 year old Lisa Cox, who is believed to have committed suicide, Executive Director Andrea Krebs of Health Affiliates Maine reflects on her tragic passing “While we do not understand all the facts that lead up to someone choosing to take their own life, we do understand the struggle and bleakness one may feel.. Painful events or feelings of despair, can cause individuals to feel like there is no other option” says Krebs. “To those feeling hopeless, no matter how bad you are hurting, we want you to know …you are not alone and you matter.”
According to the Maine CDC, 24% of all deaths in Maine are considered to be suicide and is the 11th leading cause of death in the nation. Despite the dire statistics, there is help out there and warning signs to help prevent suicide. “Speaking to a supportive person or professional and developing a safety plan for those more challenging times, are important first steps” says Krebs.
Signs that all of us can pay attention to that may mean someone is at risk of suicide include talking about:
- wanting to die or kill oneself
- feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- being a burden to others
You can get a complete list of warning signs and other useful information at Suicide Prevention Life line: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves, please contact the statewide crisis hotline at 1-888-568-1112 or the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Based in Auburn, Health Affiliates Maine is a growing statewide substance abuse and mental health agency providing therapy, case management and psychiatric assessment and treatment services. To learn more about Health Affiliates Maine visit: www.HealthAffiliatesMaine.com
Andrea Krebs is available for further comment – she can be reached at (207) 333-3278
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