RACHEL RAVINA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams presents a procla- mation declaring September as National Sui- cide Prevention Month to Susan D. Schwarten, a commissioner on the Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention during a Town Council meeting last Monday evening.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Sept. 19, 2019) With September recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness month, the Worcester County Commissioners last week issued proclamations to that effect and heard from suicide prevention advocates.

“I don’t think there’s an individual in here who hasn’t suffered the agony of knowing somebody that’s commit- ted suicide, and the devastation that it wreaks on those who are left behind,” Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino said as he issued proclamations to local and state representatives of the life-saving effort.

Susan D. Schwarten, a member on the Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention, said she has a personal connection to the work she’s doing.

“I’m a four time suicide survivor,” Schwarten said. “I wanted to contribute to the commission in a very unique way.”

Schwarten also accepted a commendation from the Town of Berlin proclaiming September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. She added that she is the sole Eastern Shore representative on the statewide commission, which aims to “reduce the number of suicides” in Maryland.

“We’re looking for ways to address this very serious public health problem in the state of Maryland,” she said.

Suicide was ranked as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the seventh among men, according to data from the Worcester County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control.

Suicide was ranked as the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-24 years old, the fifth cause of death for adults 25-44 years old and the eighth cause of death for people ages 45-64 years old.

According to data from 2007-2016 gathered from Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties, suicide deaths were almost seven times more prevalent among men as they were women.

Ron Pilling, secretary-treasurer of the Jesse Klump Suicide Prevention and Awareness Program, said the organization provides a variety of services, including teaching “people to recognize risk factors [and] warning signs” associated with someone who may be struggling.

However, Pilling said while the organization does offer training, work- shops and presentations, he stressed that it’s not a crisis center and they do not answer 911 calls. He said it’s im- portant to be able to “keep someone safe until others can intervene.”

Jackie Ward, health planner for the Worcester County Health Department, said some warning signs of those who may be considering suicide include behavioral changes, irritability, isolation, as well as changes in eating habits and sleeping habits.

Ward also said that two in five people suffering from mental illness do not seek treatment. She added that health department officials are work- ing to eliminate the stigma many peo- ple attach to mental health issues.

“It is tough for anyone to talk about it, so that’s why we want to encourage people to have that conversation,” said department Public Information Officer Travis Brown.

Ward also recommended calling 211 if someone is in need of more immediate services in Maryland. People can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741 for 24/7 free and confidential support.

Ward added that local upcoming events can help shed light on the problem. One such event is the Out of the Darkness Walk this Saturday morning on the Ocean City Boardwalk at Caroline Street.

For more information and to register, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at afsp.com/oceancity. There is also a Celebration of Life event this Friday evening at the Red Doors Community Center on Worcester Highway in Berlin.

“Those are ways we bring attention to suicide and suicide prevention, Ward said. “Try to make it a more normal topic for us to talk about and reduce the stigma and the fear associated with it by talking about it.”