Rotary takes on mental health

Rotary has a remarkable record when it comes to health initiatives. We’ve helped bring polio to the brink of eradication, and clubs have carried out myriad projects focused on preventing disease and supporting maternal and child health. Now, the global pandemic has brought attention to another aspect of health that is often overlooked: mental health. In many places, depression, anxiety, and suicide are seen as things to be ashamed of and kept quiet. But Rotary members are recognizing the gaps in understanding and resources and are stepping up to help.

 

In 2024, the Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in May with an event designed to help increase suicidal ideation awareness for community members. The event will include training to help people learn how to identify suicidal ideation and risk in themselves and others, and how to access interventional help.

Help Prevent Suicide  |  Event on May 16, 2024

My 1043 Podcast: Help Prevent Suicide

Thank you to the Mount Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for donating this podcast to the Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant

JOIN US AS WE WORK TO PREVENT SUICIDE

Engaging Youth

The Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant is engaging area students in suicide awareness through a video/poster contest. Students in grades 6 through 12 have been invited to submit their entries. The winning student(s) will receive a prize along with their video/poster featured to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. Click here for the submission guidelines and participation waiver.

Join the Conversation

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., the Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant is hosting a discussion about recognizing suicide ideation. This will be at the Veterans Memorial Library. Julie Simon, LLMSW, of New Mind Counseling will be guiding the conversation on suicide awareness and prevention. 

Dig Deeper

The Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant is collecting resources to share with the public. Those can be found below in the resources section of this page. Please contact us if you're aware of additional resources that may be beneficial to others to raise awareness of suicidal risks, suicidal ideation, and how to access interventional help.

RESOURCES

  1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

    • Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
    • Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
    • 24/7 confidential hotline providing free and confidential support for individuals in distress, as well as resources for those concerned about their loved ones.
  2. Crisis Text Line:

    • Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
    • Text: Text HOME to 741741
    • Free, 24/7 crisis support via text message, providing confidential support and resources to those in crisis.
  3. The Trevor Project:

    • Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
    • Phone: 1-866-488-7386
    • Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, including a 24/7 hotline, chat, and text support.
  4. Veterans Crisis Line:

    • Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
    • Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
    • Text: Text 838255
    • Confidential support and resources for veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends.
  5. SAMHSA National Helpline:

  6. Local Mental Health Support:

    • Community Mental Health (CMH) for Central Michigan: CMHCM serves Isabella County and offers a range of mental health services including counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and more. They can assist in finding the right resources for your specific needs.

    • Counseling and Therapy Services: There are several private counseling and therapy practices in Isabella County. You can search online or ask for recommendations from your primary care physician or community members.

    • Support Groups: Support groups can be immensely helpful for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Check with local community centers, religious institutions, or mental health organizations for information on support groups in Isabella County.

    • Online Resources: Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace offer remote counseling services, which can be convenient for individuals who prefer virtual sessions or who may have difficulty accessing in-person services.

    • University Resources: If you're a student at Central Michigan University, they likely offer counseling and mental health services for students. These services may include individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops.

    • Psychiatrists and Psychologists: If you're in need of medication management or specialized therapy, consider seeking out a psychiatrist or psychologist in Isabella County. Your primary care physician may be able to provide a referral.

  7. Online Resources:

    • Websites such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://afsp.org/), Suicide Prevention Resource Center (https://www.sprc.org/), and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (https://www.iasp.info/) offer a wealth of information, resources, and support for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
  8. Educational Materials and Training:

    • Organizations like the QPR Institute (https://qprinstitute.com/) offer training programs in suicide prevention, including QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training, which equips individuals with the skills to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively.
  9. Support Groups:

    • Local support groups, both in-person and online, can provide a sense of community and understanding for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or bereavement due to suicide loss.
  10. Emergency Services:

    • In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.

 

ISABELLA COUNTY SCHOOLS COUNSELOR DIRECTORY