She encourages everyone to not be afraid in asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. “We care for the people that we’re asking that question to. So it can be a little intimidating or unsure of what to do afterwards, and the biggest thing you can do is listen, give them support, help that person know they’re not alone, and connect that person to care,” Barnes says.
Barnes believes showing empathy and listening are the best things folks can do to help others. “You don’t have to have all the answers. I think sometimes people get scared that they have to be there to help solve things or know exactly what to say, and you don’t have to have all the answers, or know the exact next thing to say, and that’s normal,” Barnes says.
The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs held its annual Governor’s Summit today. The meeting is a special presentation to Governor Henry McMaster on the state of veterans affairs in South Carolina.
The meeting was held at the Pastides Alumni Center on Senate Street downtown.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Mental health advocates here in South Carolina are calling on lawmakers to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health initiatives in the state.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Conversations about suicide prevention and mental health are being had since the passing of former Miss USA and EXTRA correspondent who had ties to Columbia. The former USC student athlete died by apparent suicide over the weekend. USC tweeting, “Please keep the Kryst family in your thoughts and prayers. Please remember, you’re not alone. help is…
Governor McMaster signed the Student Identification Card Suicide Prevention Act, which requires public schools in South Carolina to put the Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number on student ID cards for students. This applies to public schools for students in grades 7-12, as well as the state’s institutions of higher learning.
