BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – September marks Suicide Prevention Month – a time to remember Vermonters lost and help those who are struggling.
The stigma around mental health and suicide can make it daunting to reach out for help. One Vermont woman is using her experience to break down barriers for others.
Terri Lavely was fifteen when she survived a suicide attempt. For decades, her story was kept under wraps.
“It was the best-kept secret of our family for almost 30 years,” said Lavely.
A few years ago, after her nephew died by suicide, Lavely broke her silence.
“Sharing my story with others is impactful, and it’s important to let people know that it’s okay to struggle and okay to seek help,” she said.
According to the Department of Health, 42 Vermonters have died by suicide this year.
Middle-aged men are especially vulnerable – something state injury prevention manager Stephanie Busch attributes to means and gender-based tensions.
“We know that stigma plays a huge role in help-seeking. One of the specific populations nationally and also in Vermont is people who identify as men,” said Busch.
Also this year, over 3,300 Vermonters have visited the hospital for suicide-related emergencies.
Teens and young adults, BIPOC, and rural Vermonters make up the majority of emergency department visits.
Busch explains that social pressures among other stressors can threaten youth and BIPOC Vermonters, while rural communities often have fewer lifelines to turn to.
“BIPOC Vermonters often will have fewer protective factors, and we’ll have some of them more like risk factors. So also in Vermont, a risk factor is being rural, there are less resources that are available. So with all those pieces together, it can kind of lead to those higher rates,” said Busch.
Every hospital visit and death indicates more needs to be done, but Busch believes the state is on the right track.
While suicide is on the rise nationally, deaths and hospital visits are decreasing in Vermont by nearly 22 and 7 percent respectively this year.
Busch says it’s the culmination of years of work across agencies to boost suicide awareness and resources.
“Just everybody coming together and realizing we all have a part to play when it comes to suicide prevention,” she said.
A recent hopeful solution is this summer’s state suicide prevention model protocol for healthcare facilities, aimed at improving the identification and treatment of patients at risk for suicide.
So is 988 – the 24/7 hotline any Vermonter can call for free mental health help.
On the other end are folks like Lavely, who monitors the hotline through Northeast Kingdom Human Services.
It’s a full-circle moment for her, coming with great responsibility and reward.
“Suicide is a long-term answer to short-term problems, and if we can help the person identify what their short-term problems are and wrap support around them, then suicide no longer becomes the answer,” said Lavely.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available.
You can find resources for suicide warning signs and support services here.