Govin's Farm Turns Its Annual Corn Maze Into a Suicide Prevention PSA
Every year, Govin’s Farm picks a theme that has meaning to its family for its annual corn maze. This year, Govin’s corn maze is sending a powerful message to those who experience suicidal ideation and their loved ones: Your life matters.
The Govin family shared the theme on Wednesday on the farm’s Facebook page. They wrote:
We have always picked a theme that has meaning to our family and this year suicide was something we unfortunately had to face and learn about. We hope to make a difference in someone’s life and help them understand that they matter!
In addition to “your life matters,” the corn maze displays the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline “1-800-273-TALK” and the words “about suicide.”
Julie and John Govin, who run the Menomonie, Wisconsin-based farm, lost a family member to suicide six months ago, according to WQOW. Previously, the Govin’s designed their corn maze to commemorate the Green Bay Packers, advocate for bees, and thank farmers. This year, they wanted to send a message they hoped would save a life.
At first, the Govin’s were afraid their mental health message would drive people away since it wasn’t festive like previous years.
“On the way to the family funeral, we both realized that this is just so much more than just trying to drive people to our farm,” John told WQOW. “If we can make a difference, if we save a life this fall… that’s worth it.”
Since sharing this year’s theme on Facebook, the family has received messages of thanks from other suicide loss survivors. A representative for the Lifeline commented, “Thank you for supporting and sharing our life-saving services in such a unique way! Please know that the Lifeline is available 24/7/365 for anyone struggling in the U.S. at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Your lives matter to us.”
The corn maze opens on September 21 and features a section for children that focuses on anti-bullying.
If you are feeling suicidal, know that you are not alone and that your life matters. If you need support right now, reach out to a loved one or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741. You can also join The Mighty’s CheckInWithMe community, where you can get and give support from a community that cares.