Middle age men are dying by suicide in higher numbers than people in other age groups. Of the 372 suicides reported in the region last year, 44 percent (165) were men between the ages of 40 and 59 years of age.
To help battle that disturbing number, the County Health and Human Services Agency developed the ToughTimesSD.org website as part of the It’s Up to Us campaign. The goal of the educational campaign is to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to encourage people to get help, especially those contemplating suicide.
The website was so well designed for the target audience, AdEase, the marketing, advertising and public relations agency that created the website, recently won a 2011 MarCom Gold Award in the microsite category.
“When people feel hopeless, helpless, and desperate, they might feel no sense of future, no way to make it better,” said Alfredo Aguirre, Director of County Mental Health Services.
ToughTimesSD.org was specifically designed to give middle-age men the knowledge and resources needed to help them deal with their mental health challenges – such as stress brought on by economic conditions, a relationship that has ended, or loss of their home – and to let them know that help is available.
Warning signs of suicide include talking of hurting or killing oneself; divorce; separation; family stress; the loss of health, job or home; increasing alcohol or drug use or isolation from family and friends.
“When a friend or a loved one comes to you for help, take it seriously. Ask if he or she is having thoughts of suicide or ending it all. That simple conversation can make the difference between life and death,” added Aguirre.
People in suicidal danger should call 911. Help is also available by calling the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339 or visiting Up2SD.org.
The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals presented the MarCom Awards for outstanding achievements in marketing and communications. The entries come from around the world.
“AdEase is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of quality and creativity for our clients,” said Stacey Nelson Smith, Founder/CEO of AdEase. The company earned a total of eight awards, including four golds and a platinum, as well as an honorable mention for a marketing tool for Healthy Works, the County’s anti-obesity campaign.
“We are very excited to receive these awards and each one is proof positive that the work we produce is as exceptional as our promise,” said Nelson Smith.
