Yellow Elephant Ministries suicide awareness and prevention outreach in Moultrie

MOULTRIE, Ga. – September is Suicide Prevention Month and the Yellow Elephant organization in Moultrie is doing it’s part to spread awareness.

“We are a grass roots non-profit for suicide awareness and prevention, we started back in 2015,” said Michelle Cope, CEO & founder of Yellow Elephant Ministries.

Sadly, a tragic event occurred to Michelle in 2012 that would ignite her passion to advocate for suicide awareness.

“And the reason it was started was because I lost my friend to suicide in 2012,” said Cope.

There could be multiple causes of why someone close to you could commit suicide.

“Some of the primary causes are home-life, that’s one of the big ones, loss of job, school grades I know a lot of people what think oh my gosh school grades,” said Cope.

But, what should parents or love ones do if they want prevent these dire circumstances?

“Ask them, are you struggling and keep on asking that question and keep that conversation going even if that child gets aggravated it’s okay as parents that’s what we’re supposed to do,” said Cope.

Cope also has a five step method she’s teaching the community to manage challenging days and feelings of high anxiety.

“The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method, usually we ask people to go outside, go look for five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste or think about that’s a good memory,” said Cope.

The Yellow Elephant also offers multiple services to those in need…

“We’re a place to talk and we’re a conversation starter but we also have services that we help pay for such as if there’s a funeral if someone has died by suicide or overdose, we also help with counseling,” said Cope.

The conversation starts in our homes and ends in our communities.

“Talk to your children, talk to your family, because that’s where we need to go is at home first and then to our community,” said Cope.

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay.

If you or someone you care about is in a crisis or dealing with thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or any mental health concerns, help is available 24/7. You can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8.

Cameron Sanders reporting.

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