Breaking Silence: Suicide Prevention with Aimee Coe and Angie Patchen
We're really trying to push that as much as we can in the community...to talk about their mental health and their mental wellness too, to talk about, you know, when people are doing well too, and just as much as when you're struggling.
Ever wondered how a community can rally together to save lives? In this episode of 'Stigma Busters', Aimee Coe and Angie Patchen, co-chairs of the Wood County Suicide Prevention Coalition, share their inspiring efforts to combat suicide and mental health stigma. The duo dives into their various initiatives, from educational commercials to resource distribution for first responders and healthcare workers. Their mission? To educate everyone on recognizing suicidal behavior and offering a helping hand when it’s needed most.
One standout topic is QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, a crucial tool in suicide prevention. Coe and Patchen explain how this training helps people identify warning signs and effectively guide those struggling towards professional help. They’re committed to spreading this knowledge far and wide, ensuring that more individuals are equipped to act in times of crisis. The conversation also tackles the persistent stigma surrounding mental health.
Coe and Patchen stress that mental wellness should be as openly discussed as physical health. By fostering open dialogue, they hope to make it easier for people to seek the support they need without fear of judgment. If you or someone you know is battling mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, remember that help is available. The Wood County Suicide Prevention Coalition provides a crisis line and text support for those in need.
Seeking help is a courageous step, and there's no shame in reaching out. Tune in to hear more from Aimee Coe and Angie Patchen on 'Stigma Busters'—an episode filled with hope, practical advice, and a call to action for us all.