VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the state of Indiana and September is suicide prevention month.
Many organizations are taking measures to prevent more lives from being lost and to send the message, that no one is alone.
For one woman, this topic has greatly touched her life. Stacy Boehm has lost close friends, battle buddies, and also deals with trauma from being a veteran. Now she is making sure no one else feels isolated, through her work with Irreverent Warriors.
“We’ve been able to save so many of my battle buddies. I would have had to bury so many more without being active in suicide prevention and knowing the risk and being able to be a part of helping them get the care they needed,” said Boehm.
Community members gathered in Vincennes Saturday for their 5th annual Suicide Prevention Walk. This year, Mental Health America of Knox County Indiana partnered with Irreverent Warriors to better-represent veterans, like Boehm.
“We just hope to carry the message forward, that people know they’re not alone. That people to know that if they’ve lost somebody to suicide that they’re not alone in that, as well as they’re not alone if they’re having a mental health challenge. We want people to feel like they can talk about it, that they can get the help that they need, and the support they need to move forward,” said Kathy Evans, Mental Health Counselor at Vincennes University and President of Mental health America Knox County Indiana.
Some walked miles, others seeked resources, all seeking comfort in fellow community members.
“Everyone thinks that you have to be okay and everyone’s depending on you to be okay. okay is an absurd idea. That’s like, oh you’re perfect. No one’s perfect and messy doesn’t mean bad. Like some of the best messes in life are enjoyable,” said Boehm.
If you are struggling, or know someone who is, it’s okay to be a mess, like Boehm said. Seek out others. There are many people who want to stick by your side, sit with you, and help you overcome.
To learn more about resources at Irreverent Warriors visit Vincennes, IN – Irreverent Warriors.
Other resources are:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Bluebird mental health
- Vincennes University Counseling
- Free for students
- Family Health Center
