Ethan Maple, Pastor at Mt. Comfort Church and a member of the New Palestine Town Council, said the community needs to support families and people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.
HANCOCK COUNTY — During a recent closing comment section of the New Palestine Town Council meeting, council member Ethan Maple, who also serves as a pastor of the Mt. Comfort Church, told those in attendance and his fellow council members the county had lost a student recently to suicide.
“It just seems like it’s happening way too much,” Maple said. “I’d invite you all to think of the family and those students who are hurting because of that loss of life.”
The statement brought back memories of Sammy Teusch, the 10-year-old who committed suicide in his Greenfield home in May. Maple noted far too many children and adults are choosing to end their lives rather than reach out for help.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
State officials launched a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number in July 2022 and received 3,700 calls that month. In July 2024, the lifeline received 7,700 calls, officials said.
The number isn’t uncommon according to state health officials who say the lifeline now routinely receives about 7,000 calls monthly, representing a growing need among Indiana residents.
Locally, prosecutor Brent Eaton spoke out about the issue, hoping to bring awareness to the problem. Eaton noted during National Suicide Prevention Month that it’s important for people to unite within the communities, organizations and advocate groups to promote suicide prevention awareness and to be there for others.
“Raising awareness for suicide prevention remains critical to creating safe and healthy communities,” Eaton said. “We want every individual to know their life matters and makes a difference. No matter how lonely or insecure the outside world, or the digital world, may make you feel, your purpose is greater.”
Officials from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department (HCSD) are aware of the mental health issue and use “Immediate/Emergency Detention” forms when officers respond to a scene where someone needs to be transported to a mental health facility.
“This is almost always due to suicidal threats, sometimes in addition to other behaviors,” Capt. Robert Harris of the HCSD said. “To date this year, our officers have completed this form 38 times for persons who have threatened or attempted suicide.”
Harris noted there were more calls where officers responded to check on a citizen but did not have enough information to complete the form and force the person to get immediate help. Sometimes this occurs when family members are present to care for the person, a third-party makes a report that can’t be substantiated, or the person is unable to be located.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates increased approximately 36% between the years of 2000 and 2022. CDC data also shows suicide rates are higher than average among veterans and people who live in rural areas or work in the industries of mining and construction. Additionally, it is clear that alcohol and drug use disorders lead to a significantly increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
In an age of loneliness and depression, it is critical, Eaton noted, to take steps to stop all suicide and suicide attempts in our country and communities. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is encouraging Americans to #BeThe1To make a difference in the lives of others this month and change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention.
Deputy chief of the Greenfield Police Department Chuck McMichael noted many people feel alone in the world and while many people have a support system around them who would literally do anything for them, they are just not able to see it at the time.
“Just telling someone that you don’t feel right, you’re depressed, or that you feel like self-harming or ending your life will start the journey to getting help and getting better,” McMichael said. “All of us feel the effects of stress and we all feel them differently. It’s okay to not be okay and okay to ask for help. The strongest, bravest and smartest people in the world have to ask for help sometimes.”
If someone you know is struggling there are ways to help including the #BeThe1To program which encourages people to take five steps to help others by being there; keeping someone safe; helping someone in need stay connected and following up.
Beginning in July of 2022, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number changed to a simple three digit combination: 988. Eaton noted if anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health or substance abuse crisis to please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
“Please take advantage of our local, state, and federal resources if you or a loved one needs help,” Eaton said. “There is no shame in asking for assistance. Our hope is that we can end suicide and mental health problems within our community as we remind our citizens that each of their lives has innate value.”
People can visit 988indiana.org or 988lifeline.org for more resources and information.
