Last year in Hendricks County, 16 individuals died from drug poisoning (overdose) and 28 individuals died by suicide. That’s 44 people who were dearly loved and are now dearly missed by their friends and families. This month, we honor their memories, while also committing ourselves to the essential work of preventing this tragic loss of life in the years to come.
The conversations around mental health and addiction have become much less taboo in our culture. We regularly celebrate stories of celebrities getting sober in our social media feeds. We often witness the improvements in a friend or family member’s mood and outlook who recently participated in counseling. Many of us have benefited from these life changes and resources ourselves. To put it frankly, “awareness” is no longer enough.
It’s time for action.
According to (now, many years of) research on how to interrupt the cycles of addiction, mental health struggles, and/or self-harming thoughts and behaviors, the single most important component of intervention is connection. A person who is struggling needs connection with well-trained, compassionate professionals who can help, and connection with loving, supportive communities who can wrap around them. Isolation increases risk. Connection is the turnkey of prevention.
In Indiana, it’s estimated that over 41,000 people have survived suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors this year, and there are over 450,000 people living in long-term sober recovery from substance use addiction. We celebrate these fellow Hoosiers! In each of their lives, connection made a positive difference.
Today, we each have the opportunity to be someone’s positive connection. We may not have all the right answers, but we can offer our ears and our open hands. It just might save a life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or self-harming thoughts, please know that you are not alone – The Willow Center team is here for you and ready to help. Hope is real. Recovery is possible. Reach out to us today.
Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director at The Willow Center.
Reviewed by Ashley English, LAC.
