Mental health concerns grow during pandemic
YPD receives more calls about people whom are suicidal - Arlette Yousif reports
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - As depression and anxiety significantly rose during the worst of coronavirus, loved ones do what they can to prevent suicide.
The Yuma Police Department (YPD) has received several calls about wellness checks and suicide watch over the last year and a half.
YPD says it's better to be safe than sorry.
"We do get several calls for service reference suicidal subjects, but they don't always turn out to be a suicidal person. Sometimes people take what somebody says and they're definitely caring about it and they call us and we check it out and sometimes they're just, they're not suicidal. Sometimes they just want somebody to talk to," says Yuma Police Department Sergeant Lori Franklin.
Sgt. Franklin says YPD can help people who are at that point. There are countless resources to keep in mind during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The cry for help comes in many forms, but some are easier to spot than others.
"It’s a good thing bringing awareness to us so we can talk to the people and if they need help, then we can get them the help because we may catch them before they get to that stage," explains Sgt. Franklin.
So far this year, YPD has already received 78 calls related to suicide. Before the pandemic, in 2019, there were 129 total related calls for the entire year. For MCAS Yuma Sgt. Callon Conger, it's more than just a statistic.
"I lost my first really close person in my life to it in, like, back in 2017. And I was there for every step of him passing," says Sgt. Callon Conger.
A tragedy he says he’ll never forget.
"Getting the phone call. Rushing to the hospital. Comforting his family… his wife," explains Sgt. Callon Conger.
He's speaking out, in hopes of saving others.
"Four years later I, I still have dreams about that night, and sometimes I find myself calling, trying to call him or text him," says Sgt. Callon Conger.
As we all navigate an incredibly tough time, let suicide prevention awareness month serve as a reminder that help is available for those who may be struggling.
"Even if you don’t feel like it, someone loves you. Someone values you and cherishes you. Someone feels very deeply about you," explains Sgt. Callon Conger.
Again, help is available. Anyone who may feel depressed or anxious is encouraged to reach out to a loved one, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
