Puzzles bring awareness to suicide prevention
January is national puzzle month. If you’ve visited Lakeview Antiques and Collectables in downtown Buffalo, perhaps you’ve noticed a section of puzzles on display. Several colorful boxes line shelves and racks, highlighting imagery associated with local Wright County cities and contain themes unique to each town.
Marlene Coleman, a resident of Albertville, enjoys puzzles. She has worked to design and help create a variety of puzzles, each with a mission and goal to raise awareness for mental health outreach and community resources.
Coleman began creating the puzzles in memory of her son, Chad, whom she lost in 2011. “It’s been 13 years since we lost him. I was looking for a program to contribute to society and raise awareness for mental health.”
Coleman has created two puzzles with themes and imagery related to Buffalo and one puzzle for Delano. The work is close to Marlene’s heart. Along with local themes, her creations incorporate pictures of her children. “I wanted everything in Buffalo that could be utilized and associated with crisis and therapy.”
The design for her first puzzle (Blue Buffalo box) highlights area services available for those experiencing a mental health emergency, including the Buffalo Police Department, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and the logo for Buffalo Strong. Coleman works with a designer who helps bring her visions to life through artwork and computer graphics.
Each puzzle also contains information regarding 988, a hotline and service people can reach out to if experiencing a mental health crisis. The 988 hotline is relatively new in Minnesota, having been established three years ago in July 2022. Prior to the service, people and families experiencing a mental health emergency would often dial 911 for assistance. With 988, callers are connected to a mental health professional who can offer assistance and support, including the option of contacting 911 if the situation requires immediate intervention.
The 988 hotline is not limited and restricted to individuals experiencing immediate crisis. Family members and friends can reach out for support if someone they know is experiencing suicidal ideation or a mental health emergency. The hotline is staffed by trained professionals who work with families to offer guidance and support. “What makes me happy is all the people who have used the number. People ask me about 988 and how to use it,” Marlene said.
The puzzles also list information for the non-profit group, Thumbs Up for Mental Health, an organization located in Elk River that works to provide resources to families who have lost a member to suicide.
Much progress has been made to reduce the stigma around mental illness in recent years. People are learning more about mental health, and service providers have a greater understanding of how to help. A long road lies ahead, but the work that people like Marlene Coleman do, and continue to do, help society pave a path to recovery. “It’s amazing how much progress has been made in mental health awareness. There used to be a lot of shame and stigma around mental health that prevented people from reaching out for help.”
Coleman’s puzzles are sold exclusively at Lakeview Antiques and Collectables with a portion of the proceeds allocated towards 988 and suicide awareness. “We sell lots of them. It’s been good. Winter is a good time for puzzles.”
Editor’s Note:
Learn more about the organization, Thumbs Up, and the work they do at www.thumbsupformentalhealth.org.
To learn more about the 988 crisis hotline, visit www.988lifeline.org.