Letter to the editor: Suicide prevention training is available in Jamestown

Last May, I lost my dear friend, Shaun, to suicide. The pain that has ensued since his death is indescribable in words.

Like so many other survivors of suicide loss, I am left wondering if there was anything that could have possibly saved him. That question is impossible to answer, but what I do know is that most people who complete suicide do not actually want to die. Rather, they want the pain they are in to end, and they are having difficulty finding enough hope to carry on. I also know that at least 90 percent of those who die of suicide have a treatable mental illness at the time of their death.

It is imperative that those who are troubled with thoughts of suicide know where to turn for help, whether that is a friend, family member or professional. It is equally important that these caretakers are prepared to respond to a suicidal crisis. On Dec. 6 and 7, FirstLink (the only National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center in North Dakota) is offering a free suicide intervention training in Jamestown. The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is an internationally recognized two-day workshop designed to enhance a caregiver’s ability to assist a person at risk of suicide.

Pre-registration is required; please contact Ashley Ladbury at ashleyl@myfirstlink.org to register. When it comes to suicide intervention, it is best to be prepared. Please take advantage of this opportunity. You just may save a life.

If you or someone you love is in a suicidal crisis, please call 1-800-273-8255.

Shannon Bacon

Jamestown

Tags: opinion, letters, suicide