In 2017, I relocated to a rural community and started volunteering with a grassroots suicide prevention organization called the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Iowa County – in rural communities, there is a lack of available resources to address mental health issues so this organization was THE resource. Part of the work I did was writing letters to the editor to the local paper in Dodgeville, WI to start conversations and promote awareness of the issue, as well as direct people to resources that could help them. Below, you can find links to those letters.

“The Power of Community,” published February 22, 2019 – discusses the idea of a “shared responsibility” to those who are isolated or struggling, and the power of community to help those individuals.

“End Stigma so People Can Get Help,” published January 28, 2019 –  reviews the rise of suicides in Wisconsin, and persuades people to stop shaming people who attempt to seek help.

“Graphic Depictions of Suicide are Dangerous,” published December 6, 2018 – originally published in print in September to continue to spread awareness during Suicide Prevention Month, identifies why graphic depictions of suicide are harmful, and the responsibility of journalists and artists alike to consider these issues when reporting a story, writing a book, or making a movie/tv show.

“September is Suicide Prevention Month,” published December 6, 2018 – published online in December, in print in September, written to inform people about Suicide Prevention month that discusses the harmfulness of labeling suicide as “selfish”.

“Please Help to Change the Culture,” published June 22, 2018 – discusses the effects of the language we use when talking about suicide, and how we can change things going forward.

“How to Help Others,” published March 29, 2018 – explains a few things you can do if a friend tells you they have been having thoughts of suicide.

“Some Myths of Suicide Addressed,” published March 15, 2018 – discusses five major myths about suicide that often prevent people from seeking help, and then debunks each of them.

“Treatment for Depression Helps Reduce Suicide,” published March 1, 2018 – overviews statistics on the connection between depression and suicide, and how recognizing depression as a mental illness that can be treated leads to a reduction in suicide.

“Suicide Prevention in College,” published February 15, 2018 – written when I was a recent graduate of college, this letter addresses risk factors for suicide and the importance of being aware of the factors prior to going away to college.