HCI Hospice Care Services recently issued the following announcement.
According to Polk County Health Services, there were 14 suicides in Polk County in January 2022, including five suicides among youth — four were under the age of 12. EveryStep Grief and Loss Services is actively addressing the needs of those affected by these losses.
EveryStep Grief & Loss Services offers a variety of grief support opportunities provided at no cost for anyone in communities around Iowa. These resources include:
- EveryStep’s Amanda the Panda Grief & Loss Camps — a “virtual” spring camp will be offered online April 2 for adults, teens and children (kindergarten and older) who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
- Online support — 6-week winter support groups for children ages 5 and up, and for adults.
- Anticipatory grief support group for adults ages 18 and older — meetings are held the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for those facing the loss of a loved one from a terminal illness, end-of-life changes or dementia.
To register for or learn more about any of the events noted above, call (515) 223-4847 or email griefandloss@everystep.org. Additionally, many grief and loss resources are available at www.everystep.org/services/grief-loss.
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk of suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Extreme mood swings.
Original source can be found here.