COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio Mental Health America says suicide rates are increasing in Franklin County, and local musicians are teaming up with the organization to let people know they’re not alone. He said he was trying to do so.
Sunday night’s You Matter benefit concert at Natalie’s Grandview brought people together for music, but also to raise awareness of mental health issues and those affected by them.
Columbus area musicians came together to raise money for suicide awareness. For the event organizers, this is a personal reason. John Estep lost his son to suicide.
“We know that there are people out there who are struggling with their mental health, whether it’s ourselves or someone we know,” Estep said.
He brought together musicians from across central Ohio to raise money so others wouldn’t have to go through the hardships alone.
“As a member of the music community, it’s been a huge blow,” Estep said. “I’ve done what I can do, which is play music and know a lot of people who play music.”
Many musicians took to the stage as the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition and Mental Health America of Ohio shared resources.
“We play all kinds of music by bands affected by mental health issues and suicide,” Estep said.
The goal is to spread awareness and reduce stigma.
The Ohio Health Policy Institute announced that suicide will be among the top five causes of death for people ages 15 to 64 in Ohio in 2022.
Franklin County Suicide Prevention Office: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring community mental health and resource awareness to the table and to work together as a community to increase the number of people seeking life-saving assistance. We are grateful,” said Michelle Vargas, Coalition Director for Mental Health America of Ohio.
“When I first started doing this, even people I wasn’t really close with started reaching out to me and telling me their stories. So at the end of the day, it’s good to reach out to someone. I think so,” Estep said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please call Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
