Ovid, NY – April 24, 2019 – The Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition is mourning with the entire South Seneca Central School District Community as they navigate the tragic loss of 14-year-old Ryan Sibley.
As friends, family, and the community remember Ryan for his bright and engaging personality – we are reminded that mental health care and suicide prevention awareness are unequivocally important.
In light of the tragedy in South Seneca – the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition will move their next Sudden Loss Support Group meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. to Ovid Federated Church. The support group is cost-free, and open to the public.
Click here to see event details on Facebook.
The Seneca County Community Counseling Center is providing on-site support to those at South Seneca; and has ‘walk-in’ hours available for residents who need support or services. Call (315) 539-1980 to learn more. The Finger Lakes Lifeline is available by dialing 211 for 24/7 support.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a number of resources available to the public, which provide clarity on warning signs, risk factors, statistics, and treatment. There is no single cause to suicide. It most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.
To learn more about risk factors and warning signs of suicide visit www.afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/. Changes in mood, behavior, or social patterns are possible indicators.
Stigma surrounding suicide leads to underreporting, and data collection methods critical to suicide prevention. The AFSP reports that 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their deaths. There are biological and psychological treatments that can help address the underlying health issues that put people at risk for suicide.
Finding regional support is also quick and easy. Visit www.afsp.org/find-support/ to learn more.
Statement from the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition:
“We stand with the Ovid, and South Seneca Central School District community in mourning the loss of 14-year-old Ryan Sibley. As family, friends, and community cope with the loss of a young life – the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition reminds residents about available resources, which are helpful for those directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy. Change begins with a conversation. Those interested in learning more about ways to be a proactive part of the solution can visit www.SenecaSuicidePrevention.org or www.afsp.org/find-support to learn more.”
ABOUT THE SENECA COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION
The Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition is an inclusive community that openly discusses suicide without stigma and offers hope and healing to those affected by suicide. We strive to provide necessary information and tools in order to raise public awareness, promote education, create messengers for change, and increase actions to reduce suicide throughout Seneca County. For more information about the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition, or to find out how you can help email preventsuicide@co.seneca.ny.us.