As the coordinator of the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition, I want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges our county has been facing. Recently, we’ve seen a rise in suicides, and with the holiday season fast approaching, I feel it’s crucial to address how we can support one another.

The holiday season is often associated with warmth, joy, and togetherness, but for many, it can also be a time of deep sadness, isolation, and heightened stress. The pressures of the holidays can amplify these feelings, making it an especially difficult time for those who are struggling. For anyone who has ever experienced the pain of losing a loved one or for those who might be fighting their own silent battles, it can sometimes feel like there’s nowhere to turn.

But we, as a community, can make a difference.

Now more than ever, we need to embrace the power of connection. A simple check-in, a thoughtful message, or a kind gesture can be the difference between someone feeling invisible and someone feeling seen. Reach out to the people in your life–whether it’s a neighbor, a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or a family member. Let them know you care. Those small moments of connection may seem insignificant, but they can have an incredibly powerful impact on someone’s mental health and well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available, and there are resources right here in our community to provide the support people need. For those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, the holidays can feel even more overwhelming. If you are facing this kind of grief, please know you are not alone. The Columbiana County LOSS (Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Team is here for you. We provide support, sources, and a listening ear during these challenging times. You can reach the LOSS Team by contacting Lynsi Beagle at 330-424-0195 ext. 108 or lbeagle@ccmhrsb.org.

It’s important to remember that there’s no “right” way to grieve, and everyone’s journey is different. For some, reaching out for help can be the first step toward healing. For others, simply knowing that there are people who care can bring comfort during dark moments. The LOSS Team, along with the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition, is committed to being there for anyone in need of support, regardless of where they are in their journey.

In addition to the local resources available, there is always help available at the national level. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call, text, or chat with 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support 24/7. Whether it’s someone to talk to or assistance with finding more local resources, you don’t have to go through it alone.

This holiday season, let’s come together as a community. Let’s be there for those who are grieving, and let’s create a culture where people feel comfortable reaching out for help without fear of stigma. Let’s offer empathy, kindness, and support to one another. We have the power to prevent further loss and offer hope to those who are hurting. By extending our hearts, our time, and our support to those who need it most, we can make a real difference in our community.

Together, we can create a network of compassion and care that reduces the number of lives impacted by suicide and strengthens the ties that bind us all.