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The United Methodist Church in Madison, South Dakota, recently hosted a suicide prevention night. 

"As people of faith, we wanted the youth to know that while prayer is important, it can't always make the dark, hopeless, or depressive feelings disappear," Rev. Peggy Hanson, pastor of Madison UMC, said, "It's OK not to be OK, and you should talk to someone about those feelings. It's OK to have Jesus and a therapist too."

According to a recent study by the CDC, more than four out of every ten (42%) high school students feel persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health. In the Dakotas, 47.5% of South Dakota youth and 54.6% of North Dakota youth age 12–17 who have depression did not receive any care in the last year.

Plans to host the suicide prevention event began with a conversation. Hanson first met the youth of Madison UMC at the beginning of the school year 2022. "I asked what the youth wanted to talk and learn about and how they wanted to grow in their faith," she said. "After a meeting, a few of the teens hung back and asked, 'Could we talk about suicide?'"

The youth shared that a classmate had attempted, and another classmate had died by suicide. A plan was implemented to host an evening for learning and discussion in February 2023. Unfortunately, the weather caused a cancellation. 

"As we were planning youth group this year, we wanted to make it a priority, and hopefully before the weather changed," said Pastor Peggy. 

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Madison UMC hosted a suicide prevention night. Youth were encouraged to invite friends, classmates, and other churches in our community. Two other congregations, Trinity Lutheran Church and Living Hope, joined the event. 

More than 50 students, grades 6-12, and adults gathered in the fellowship hall at Madison UMC. Pastor Peggy describes, "We began with a time of prayer and discussion. We were honored as Rev. Jordan Louks shared his story."

Then Madison High School Advisor Sarah Landin and Counselor Jill Osterberg, LPC, facilitated conversations with the youth. The high school students and middle school students held discussions separately. Meanwhile, the parents gathered together for a conversation. 

"We wanted the youth to know that it's OK to ask for help, to know the resources available and that they shouldn't have to carry this load by themselves," said Osterberg. 

Kelcie Dudley, eighth-grade student at Madison, said, "988 is the number you can text or call if you need to talk to someone; this is helpful and easy to remember. "

There was an opportunity for youth to ask questions and share their experiences. Youth shared that there is a concern if you ask someone if they're thinking about suicide, that might place that thought in their head when the truth is entirely the opposite. 

Bryce Heflin, a tenth-grade student at Arlington who lives in Madison, shared, "It's important just to ask someone straight up if they're thinking about it." 

Nolan Wire, a seventh-grade student at Madison, stated, "It's important always to get help if you need it." 

Youth and adults were informed that the emergency helpline is available through both text and calling. 988. It is the mental health crisis line and is available for everyone, everywhere, and at any time. 

In North Dakota, First Link, and South Dakota, the Helpline Center provides free and confidential services, including listening and support, referrals to resources/help, and crisis intervention. Phone helplines are available 24/7 for anyone who is experiencing a mental health or other crisis. Programs are available to provide resources, support, and education and to connect individuals and families with the services they need.