Suicide help groups out there, people don’t take advantage of them
Suicide is the second highest cause of death in Idaho. It’s an epidemic that health professionals say is continuing to spread across the state.
The owner of a family counseling service in Pocatello said the reason suicide rates are so high is because people don’t realize that there are programs out there to help. Those that know don’t take advantage of the programs.
“Never, never, never, never, never, never give up,” said Laura McNiff, owner of Hope Tree Family Services in Pocatello.
That’s the message that Hope Tree wants to spread across the state.
But they said one problem is people seeking out the help they need to not give up.
“When somebody is struggling with mental health issues, when they’re struggling with suicide ideation, or they’re feeling hopeless, they need hope,” said McNiff. “They need something to encourage them.”
But the state of Idaho is reducing the number of mental health services available to individuals. It’s a result of the best practice standards.
“If you’ve got somebody that’s got schizophrenia, best practice or the American Psychiatric Association says they need A, B, C and D for their treatment,” said McNiff.
But McNiff said this isn’t always the best approach. Treatment should be case by case.
McNiff said the state is reducing the number of services but leaving no alternative solution. That’s where Hope Tree’s “Part Project” comes in.
The project is an effort to reach out to the community and offer them a program to help. They only got five referrals last year, which McNiff said is disappointing.
She said people just won’t ask for help, and that’s hard to see.
“As mental health providers, we’re out there. We’re trying to communicate. We’re trying to explain ‘Hey, we’ve got this program available that can make a difference,’ and we don’t see the support,” said McNiff. “Whether it’s from other professionals, other community members or the individuals don’t know where to go.”
McNiff said it’s important for people to ask for help. She said she’s shocked that people don’t realize how many programs are out there, and that people aren’t willing to let those programs help.
McNiff said she wants to encourage people to take advantage of the programs and support groups that are out there in the community.
If anyone needs help, they can call Hope Tree Family Services at 208-234-4673. McNiff said even if they’re not the right group to help, they can refer a person to someone who can.
