A Support Group meeting is on the move after a recent tragedy in Seneca County.
The Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition announced the change of venue for their next Sudden Loss Support Group meeting, which was slated for Monday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Sudden Loss Support Groups have been meeting in Waterloo and Ovid for the last year on the first- and third- Monday of each month. The first group typically meets in Waterloo, but on May 6 will be held at the Ovid Federated Church in Ovid.
The second event, slated for Monday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. will also take place at the church located on Main St.
It will provide residents in South Seneca with two opportunities to find support after the tragic loss of 14-year-old Ryan Sibley. The freshman completed suicide on Tuesday, according to school officials, who were reeling from the news throughout the following day.
The Seneca County Community Counseling Center is providing on-site support to those at South Seneca; and has ‘walk-in’ hours available for residents who need support or services. Residents can learn more about those services by calling (315) 539-1980.
The Finger Lakes Lifeline is also available by dialing 211 for 24/7 support.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a number of resources available to the public, which provide clarity on warning signs, risk factors, statistics, and treatment. There is no single cause to suicide. It most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.
To learn more about risk factors and warning signs of suicide visit www.afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/. Changes in mood, behavior, or social patterns are possible indicators.
Stigma surrounding suicide leads to underreporting, and data collection methods critical to suicide prevention. The AFSP reports that 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their deaths. There are biological and psychological treatments that can help address the underlying health issues that put people at risk for suicide.
Finding regional support is also quick and easy. Visti www.afsp.org/find-support/ to learn more.
Statement from the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition:
“We stand with the Ovid, and South Seneca Central School District community in mourning the loss of 14-year-old Ryan Sibley. As family, friends, and community cope with the loss of a young life – the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition reminds residents about available resources, which are helpful for those directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy. Change begins with a conversation. Those interested in learning more about ways to be a proactive part of the solution can visit www.SenecaSuicidePrevention.org or www.afsp.org/find-support to learn more.”
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