STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
A look at suicide and how to help will be the subject of a presentation at 5:30 tonight—Thursday, May 13—at the Hailey Public Library.
In conjunction with National Suicide Awareness Month, the Hailey Public Library has invited a representative from the 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance to give a presentation on “Know the 5 Signs.” Julie Carney, a licensed social worker at Wood River High School, will identify the five important signs of emotional pain and suggest resources that can help people experiencing such pain.
“Unfortunately, there is sometimes a stigma around suicide and we may not realize that friends, neighbors, co-workers or even family members may be suffering emotionally,” said Kristin Fletcher, the library’s programs and community engagement coordinator.
To watch the talk, RSVP to Kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org
The talk will be recorded and available in the library’s program archives at www.haileypubliclibrary.org.
The 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance is comprised of mental health advocates and providers, the medical community, school representatives, law enforcement and members of the faith community. They are working to prevent suicide and educate the community about mental health. They can be contacted at www.5Balliance.org or by emailing pfaeffle@slhs.org
Several local entities, including the Blaine County Commission and cities of Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey and Bellevue have issued proclamations marking May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental health issues, such as depression, are now more relatable because so many have experienced mental stress due to the anxiety and fear of the unknown during COVID, said Brittany Shipley, who heads up NAMI-WRV.
Unfortunately, some youngsters in Latino households are not allowed to talk about mental health and stress at home because of the stigma involved, she added.
“It doesn’t take much for the community to come together and support mental health,” she added.
Shipley noted the importance of being empathetic and supportive. “We don’t need to be mental health professionals. We just have to be human.”