Musicians play to bring mental health into focus

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Mental Health America of Ohio said it is seeing an increase in the suicide rate in Franklin County, and local musicians teamed up with the organization to ensure people know they are not alone.

The You Matter benefit concert at Natalie’s Grandview Sunday night brought people out for music, but also for awareness of mental health issues and those they affect.

Columbus area musicians came together to raise money for suicide awareness. For the event’s organizer, it’s a personal cause: John Estep lost his son to suicide.

“If it’s ourselves or someone we know, we know someone struggling with mental health,” Estep said.

He brought central Ohio musicians together to raise money so others won’t have to go through their struggles alone.

“As part of the musical community, it’s been hit very hard as well,” Estep said. “I did what I could do, which is I play music and I know a lot of people who play music.”

Many musicians took the stage while the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition and Mental Health America of Ohio shared resources.

“Playing all kinds of music by bands who were affected by mental health challenges and suicide,” Estep said.

The goal is to spread awareness and reduce the stigma.

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio said suicide was in the top five leading causes of death among Ohioans ages 15 to 64 in 2022.

“We’re really appreciative of opportunities to bring mental health and the awareness of resources in our community up into conversations so that, together as a community, we can increase the number of people who reach out for lifesaving support,” Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition Director at Mental Health America of Ohio Michelle Vargas said.

“When I first started this, even people I didn’t know really close started reaching out and telling me their stories. So, you know, I think, at the end of the day, reach out to somebody,” Estep said.

If you or someone know you is struggling, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio .

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