Suicide Prevention Week

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The helpline center is receiving more mental health related calls since the pandemic hit.

Many folks are dealing with depression and anxiety, due to issues like the loss of a job or financial insecurity.

Anyone can dial 211 to get connected to a support specialists to help get connected to more help and resources.

Sheri Nelson, the Helpline Center Suicide Prevention Director, says, “Through those conversations, we also provided that support to people that are feeling that extra stress in dealing with mental health issues as well.”

Nelson says there hasn’t been a significant increase in suicide-related calls over last year, but mental health-related calls are up.

“You know just having a conversation with them and people just express themselves and you know talk about what they are dealing with. But it’s great because people are reaching out for help and getting that support that they need,” says Nelson.

Thursday, September 10, the Helpline Center will host an online event featuring a speaker who has attempted suicide. Dese’Rae Stage created Live Through This, a documentary-style multimedia storytelling series that aims to reduce prejudice and discrimination against suicide attempt survivors.

Click here to register for the event.