We must take action to prevent suicide. I work as the area director of the Capital Region Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and I see the enormous toll mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can take on individuals and their families. Did you know that more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental illness at the time of their death? Did you also know that the proper treatments can help reduce suicide risk and save lives?
That is why last month I traveled to our nation's capital to meet with members of Congress and urge their support of legislation furthering suicide prevention, education and research. My involvement was part of a national movement coordinated by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as part of its annual advocacy forum. Hundreds of volunteer advocates from across the country met with their members of Congress to encourage action to reduce suicide.
Even if you haven't been personally affected by suicide, take a moment to visit www.afsp.org and learn how you can get involved right in your own community.
Laura Marx
Castleton