Shining a Light on Suicide in San Angelo

For countless decades, the issue of mental health has been a taboo subject. A lot of times, those affected with an illness, such as depression or anxiety, or even problems coping with every day life in general, feel shame and embarrassment, or see it as a weakness to seek help. Others people think services are unattainable financially so continue their path alone. Unfortunately, there are some who have even taken their own lives feeling hopeless and helpless, leaving behind families and friends asking why.

Tiffany Talley, Director of Development & Community Relations, for West Texas Counseling and Guidance Center, said, "In an effort to help raise awareness of how we can reach out and change the devastating results of suicide and promote education and intervention, this Saturday, the WTCG will be hosting an event downtown. September 10 is 'World Suicide prevention Day' and we will hold our first annual Shine A Light on a dark topic event. 

There will be a barbeque dinner, live music, an art program for everyone to participate in, and around dusk, a mile stroll around the river path that will be lit with luminaries in remembrance of those who have died by suicide. 

Talley added, "Variables were factored in across the board: age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc.; and in Tom Green county alone, the suicide rates are significantly higher than in the entire state of Texas on average. We (TGC) have been higher for the past 16 year, averaging about 1.6 suicides per month. Part of the reason is people in our culture have the bootstrap mentality that if you don't look like anything is wrong with you then you just need to suck it up. Sometimes, it seems there is a need for permission to talk about our problems. In this day and time, mental health issues are so common, and we're just here to assure people it is okay to continue the conversation and get help."

Executive Director for WTCG Dusty McCoy said, "When people are in crisis, they can call and we will put them in touch with the proper resources. Regardless of the day or time, there are always the Mental Health Deputies (Tom Green County Sheriff's Department) who are able to go out and do a safety check, and then there is the MHMR Crisis Intervention Team who do the screening and hospitalization process at either Shannon or Angelo Community. Of course, anyone with a need is able to come in and receive high quality therapy and services at the counseling center, located at 242 N. Magdalen Street, which makes a huge difference. We also have a sliding scale fee that goes to zero; we see people with or without insurance, so for those who think they can't afford to get help, this resource is there."

Indigence is not a barrier to receiving services, McCoy said.

McCoy added, "MHMR also has open access days, Tuesday or Thursdays, where [people] can be screened, especially if someone were a danger to themselves or others. 

Regarding the seemingly shortage of mental health care professionals with so many people needing services, McCoy said, "There's a lack of psychiatry in general everywhere. A lot of people are going to the 'tele-medicine' method now to increase the accessibility."

As for the event on Saturday, it is not only to raise awareness of loved ones lost and comfort survivors of their suicide group, but also to raise funds for WTCG's Loss Team, and to help with the Prevention Initiative Program.

The event will be at the San Angelo Visitor Center, downtown, near the river. It will start at 6:30 p.m., and the registration fee is $25. T-shirts and the barbecue dinner will be included. Registration is online at sanangelocounseling.org, or at the event. If you are unable to attend, donations are always greatly appreciated as WTCG is a non-profit organization.

Talley added, "This is a family-friendly event. We collaborate with the school district, including ASU, the medical community [and] clergy; it's really for the entire community. It's the first annual event, and we look forward to hosting it every year. Even if you are not a victim of a suicide, you probably have a friend who is. Come to this beautiful opportunity to honor those who are lost and gone because of suicide. Show support for your loved ones and friends--all those touched by suicide." 

For more information on the event, call (325)-227-7703, and for services, or to learn more about WTGC, call (325)-944-2561. You can also visit www.sanangelocounseling.org.