Lehigh Valley teen/suicide survivor to host 5K run, walk Saturday for mental health awareness
Morning CallSep 09, 2021
The 14-year-old,
“You are not alone.”
“It is a big issue,” Rayne said. “And we need to talk about it because innocent lives are hurting themselves because they think that no one is going to love them, or no one is going to help them, and they can’t help themselves.”
Rayne, of
The effort is part of Rayne’s
“There are people
More than 700,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide, according to the
Rayne’s event is one of several throughout the region this week aiming a spotlight at mental health. This week is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week, a stretch during September — which is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month — that culminates Friday, World Suicide Prevention Day.
It’s a time when officials and health advocates across the region are encouraging residents to check in with their coworkers, friends and family, and to start conversations about mental health.
“If there’s one takeaway, it is have the conversation,”
Frantz, coordinator for the
Ask clearly and be straightforward, Frantz said — Are you thinking about suicide? Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
“What that has done is freed up the person to talk about the subject, which has been taboo,” she said. “And when someone asks that question, the listener knows that person, the questioner, is going to be receptive to what is being said. They’re not going to shut it down or close it down.
“So, it frees them to actually say what they are thinking about. And the questioner has to be ready to hear things they may not want to hear.”
And while it’s important to have resources available, like hotline numbers, or offer to connect someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or impulses to a counselor, therapist or other professional help, a conversation is a good place to start.
“They may not be ready to talk the first time. They may say, ‘I’m fine. Don’t worry about it,’” Frantz said. “And then they’re still doing the same thing. Pay attention. Wait a little bit, [then] try again.”
So far this year, 32 people have died by suicide in
However, statistics show for each death, there’s something like 25 suicide attempts, illustrating how wide-spread suicide can be.
And suicide doesn’t just touch one economic or racial group, age or gender.
“It affects everyone and anyone,” Frantz said. “And you can’t say that because someone is well enough in a ritzy neighborhood that this does not affect them. That is not the case.”
For instance, 16.2% of students across the commonwealth had seriously considered attempting suicide, according to the 2019
While mental health has become less and less of a taboo topic, it’s still important to work to break down stigmas surrounding suicide, Rayne said, and that’s why they’re sharing their story.
“You’re never too young to make a difference, and you’re never too young to be struggling with mental health, you’re never too old,” Rayne said. “You’re not alone, and you can always make a difference, as long as you put enough work into what you want to change.”
Interested in registering for “Miles for Mental Health”? Go to https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Coplay/MilesforMentalHealthNAMI.
Need help? Here are some resources
Morning Call reporter
©2021 The Morning Call. Visit mcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.