Kern County spotlights mental health throughout September to break stigma
The Bakersfield CalifornianSep 05, 2021
Sep. 5—Several mental health facilities throughout
Some events scheduled by
Another example is the seventh annual walk organized by nonprofit Save a Life Today (SALT) Stomp out Suicide Walk at
The goal of such events for SALT founder
"Many people won't come to you because they're afraid of being judged," Eggert said. "It's OK to ask for help."
Stigma derives from fear, lack of awareness and information about a certain topic, said
Open conversations between family members can potentially save a life, Eggert added. Many people falsely believe that if suicide is discussed, then the idea will germinate and potentially push a person toward self-harm, she said.
"When you talk to them about alcohol and drugs, do they automatically go out and do it?" Eggert says to those who misunderstand. "No — it's a safety net when your children know they can talk to you if they're having thoughts."
"The SALT walk is to really advocate for those perhaps more lost in this journey, but also celebrate that their voices will not go unheard," Galvez said.
Galvez said suicide rates among the American Indian community are higher than other demographics. More than 220 tribes are represented in
Society should also become aware of survivors of suicide loss and survivors of suicide attempts, Eggert said. Survivors of suicide loss encounter complicated grief because many individuals blame themselves when family members die by suicide. This is unhealthy, Eggert said. For these loss survivors, banding together with other similar individuals helps jump-start the healing process.
For survivors of a suicide attempt, there is life and hope afterward, Eggert said.
Eggert, who runs the suicide hotline for
Olvera said the number of suicides decreased in 2020, and she is unsure why. However, overdoses throughout
Throughout September, the
Displaying these colors helps people wonder about the meaning behind the lights and motivates them to research their importance, Olvera said.
"Just because someone has an addiction or mental illness doesn't mean they're doomed," Olvera said. "There's definitely hope for having them live a productive and successful and happy life.
You can reach
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