Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

By Susan Resko
September 8, 2022

Suicide… a taboo and weight-filled word.

But it’s a word we need to get more comfortable saying. We need to collectively acknowledge that suicide is painfully all too common. That’s why this week, Suicide Prevention Week, and this entire month of September, Suicide Prevention Month, is so very important. It’s time for us to face the facts and have open and honest conversations about suicide.

The news headlines last week included the death by suicide of Neena Pacholke, a 27-year-old TV news anchor in Wisconsin. Her family, friends, and co-workers have been left reeling because, by all accounts, Neena had a seemingly “normal” life, possibly even viewed as above average from outside sources. It came as an utter shock that Neena took her own life.

Neena’s story is just one of too many on a daily basis. According to the 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, someone in the U.S. dies by suicide every 11 minutes. For each suicide, there are 4 hospitalizations, 8 emergency department visits, 27 self-reported attempts, and 275 people who seriously considered suicide.

So yes… let’s talk about it. Let’s peel back the layers of stigma and mystery and get real that this is happening to our loved ones, our neighbors, our co-workers.

In that conversation, let’s talk about how help is available:

Josselyn Resources

The Living Room – An accessible alternative to visiting a hospital or emergency room. The Living Room is open to all and welcomes anyone who is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis to receive compassionate support in a safe, welcoming space. You will be able to connect with one of our Peer Support Specialists who have experienced their own mental health journey.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 am – 7 pm, Fri 9 am – 4 pm, Sat 9 am – 2 pm
Location: 1779 Maple Avenue, Northfield, IL 60093

Adult Drop-In Center – Peer support without appointments, forms, or fees. Peer support is a non-clinical listening ear from someone who has walked in your shoes. Josselyn’s Drop-In Center provides a stigma-free space for you to connect, socialize, and learn new tools and skills. For free.

In-Person and Phone Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 am – 7 pm, Fri 9 am – 4 pm, Sat 9 am – 2 pm
Reach the Drop-In Center at 847-496-3170 and 224-423-5263
Location: 1779 Maple Street, Northfield, IL 60093

Josselyn After-Hours Crisis Line: (847) 441-5600, select option 8 when prompted

Get started with Josselyn’s services, including therapy, by completing our intake form or by calling 224-505-5052 to speak with one of our intake specialists

Additional Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

Offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

Additional emergency resources can be found here.