The Richland County Commissioners Tuesday met with representatives from area social service agencies to discuss suicide prevention and the services available for individuals and families.

Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Executive Director Joe Trolian, The Center for Individual and Family Services C.E.O. Veronica Groff, Catholic Charities Executive Director Rebecca Owens and Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People (ESOP) Foreclosure Prevention Advocate Tracy Bond, talked about how the economic crisis is causing a increase in mental health issues and suicides.

Trolian says this year has been the perfect storm with high unemployment rates and home foreclosures. Trolian said people are feeling helpless and hopeless at this time.

He said the typical suicide rate in Richland County runs between 9-11 a year, which is below the state average of 11.4. He said the situation is more dire this year in Richland County and expects a suicide rate of 15-16.

Trolian said suicide is a taboo subject  some people don't want to address. He said the agencies are working together to raise awareness about suicide.

Groff said suicide is a very impulsive act. She said around 95 percent of the population has thought of harming themselves at one time. She said if a person feels depressed or is considering harming themselves, they should talk to someone be it a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor. She said they can also seek professional help. Groff said we must all pay attention to the behaviors and comments of people during these tough times.

Richland County has a 24-hour Suicide Prevention Hotline which provides assistance, The hotline is 419-522-HELP or 419-522-4357.