Wyoming has historically seen an unusually high number of suicide cases. But all too often, when we speak of suicide, it's in hushed, secretive voices — eerily reminiscent of the way cancer was spoken of several generations ago. Suicide, for many, is still a dark, unfathomable and unstoppable force that ends a life and creates unbearable anguish for those left behind. This week marks the 35th annual National Suicide Prevention Week. Today (Thursday) is World Suicide Prevention Day. More than a decade ago, the surgeon general of the United States helped begin to turn the tide of thought regarding suicide, calling it a serious public health problem that can be combatted through proper, thoughtful measures. It's a national problem for certain, and a tragic one that strikes far too frequently right here in Wyoming. The state Department of Health says in most cases suicide is, indeed, preventable. Living in Wyoming, a state that ranks among the top three in terms of annual suicide rates, few of us remain untouched by the ghastly consequences wrought by suicide. Events and educational forums throughout the week — in Powell and across Wyoming — aim to help people educate themselves about suicidal behavior in those close to them and give them places to turn for help when faced with their own suicidal thoughts. Knowledge and communication can go a long way toward lowering the number of suicides in our state. For help or more information, go to www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.com, or call the national crisis hotline at 800-273-8255 or the Wyoming hotline at 800-457-9312. Park County residents can also access the local hotline at Yellowstone Behavioral Health Center by calling 888-863-9312.

Wyoming has historically seen an unusually high number of suicide cases. But all too often, when we speak of suicide, it's in hushed, secretive voices — eerily reminiscent of the way cancer was spoken of several generations ago. Suicide, for many, is still a dark, unfathomable and unstoppable force that ends a life and creates unbearable anguish for those left behind.

This week marks the 35th annual National Suicide Prevention Week. Today (Thursday) is World Suicide Prevention Day. More than a decade ago, the surgeon general of the United States helped begin to turn the tide of thought regarding suicide, calling it a serious public health problem that can be combatted through proper, thoughtful measures. It's a national problem for certain, and a tragic one that strikes far too frequently right here in Wyoming. The state Department of Health says in most cases suicide is, indeed, preventable.

Living in Wyoming, a state that ranks among the top three in terms of annual suicide rates, few of us remain untouched by the ghastly consequences wrought by suicide. Events and educational forums throughout the week — in Powell and across Wyoming — aim to help people educate themselves about suicidal behavior in those close to them and give them places to turn for help when faced with their own suicidal thoughts. Knowledge and communication can go a long way toward lowering the number of suicides in our state.

For help or more information, go to www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.com, or call the national crisis hotline at 800-273-8255 or the Wyoming hotline at 800-457-9312.

Park County residents can also access the local hotline at Yellowstone Behavioral Health Center by calling 888-863-9312.