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Helping those affected by suicide

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (IL) - 11/26/2014

Nov. 26--The local faith community held a candlelight vigil Tuesday night while offering hope and prayers for those suffering from the loss of loved ones by suicide.

About 200 people gathered at First Christian Church in South Jacksonville to hear clergy and a mental health professional speak about how they can help those contemplating suicide and those left behind by suicide.

"We really wanted to focus on reaching out to the community to offer support in the time of the many recent losses due to suicide," said Kay Welsh, care coordinator at First Christian Church.

Deaths by suicide are at a seven-year high in Morgan County, where eight people have taken their lives this year.

Offering a "message of awareness" at the vigil was Robert Heape, director of Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois, who spoke about suicide myths and risk factors.

"I oversee the programs [at the Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois] and know firsthand how painful and tragic suicide can be for the friends and families left behind and for the community at large that grieves the loss," Heape said.

He said more than 38,000 people die from suicide every year in the United States, and an estimated 1 million people attempt to kill themselves.

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem," Heape said. "Suicide is not the answer. Suicidal feelings are temporary, depression can be treated, and problems can be solved."

He said people with suicidal thoughts should seek help from family, friends or professionals. "With help and caring, there is hope," Heape said. The vigil's program listed community resources, mental health providers and substance abuse services.

"We want people to know that there are many people in the community who care and want to offer compassion and help to those in need," Welsh said.

Others speakers at the vigil, which was titled Community Rally for Healing and Caring, included Jared Reno, associate pastor of Central Christian Church; Rex Kibler, senior pastor of Central Christian Church; and Hyland Smith, parochial vicar of the Church of Our Saviour.

"Suicide is not only a matter of a physical, emotional or mental state. We, from the faith community, believe it is also spiritual," said Sam Rosa, discipleship pastor at First Christian Church. "So, Tuesday night was about providing comfort, hope and resources for healing in all those areas. We hope that it is the start of a healthy conversation among all the parties necessary to provide healing and prevention."

While "Amazing Grace" was played and sung, the vigil closed with the lighting of candles as a sign of hope to those suicide has left behind.

Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg.

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