Suicide Prevention Group Forms in Mackinac County
By Paul Gingras

A group called "A Sense of Life" has formed to help prevent suicides. The group is seeking to increase its membership by inviting people interested in working on this complex and preventable problem to join them at a 7 p.m. meeting Thursday, August 16, at the St. Ignace Public Library.

At this and future meetings, the study group will assess current services in the area, discuss suicides that have occurred, and use the information to create a regional prevention plan that fits into the state's suicide prevention plan, said Geraldine Stelmaszek, prevention coordinator for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center. Doing so will help the group apply for a grant to develop its services.

The group plans to educate the community about the warning signs of potential suicide. Members plan to list warning signs on bookmarks and posters and offer presentations to area groups.

Mrs. Stelmaszek said she is not a counselor, medical doctor, or mental health expert on suicide, but has researched the subject.

"It is my understanding that people who are contemplating suicide are often reluctant to ask directly for help by calling mental health hotlines," she said, "but they often display warning signs by things they say or do."

People considering suicide may simply talk about it, she explained, adding that they often speak of feeling helpless or worthless. After talking about suicide, they may become happier or calmer. Other signs include phone calls to people they care about, who they may not have spoken to for a while, and people considering suicide also may give belongings away, owing to a sense of "setting things in order," she added.

"A Sense of Life" will work with the Department of Human Services, Hiawatha Behavioral Health, Mackinac Straits Hospital and Health Center, the Diane Peppler Resource Center, area police departments, school employees, ministers, and area residents.

Mrs. Stelmaszek said anyone aware of a person who may be contemplating suicide can call Hiawatha Behavioral Health at (800) 839-9443. Even if the situation does not warrant intervention by Hiawatha, the organization may be able to provide referrals.

For more information about "A Sense of Life," call (906) 632- 5467.