Suicide
is an ugly word. Most people are uncomfortable just hearing the word. It is not something spoken about in polite
conversations. It is something we avoid thinking about, but avoiding it does
not stop it from happening.
Over
41,000 deaths from suicide occurred in 2013 making suicide the 10th
leading cause of death in America. In
2013 someone died of suicide every 12.8 minutes[1]. Suicide happens when someone is in so much emotional pain or feels that they have no other way out, and they decide to end their lives. This is not only a huge tragedy for those
individuals, but the social, emotional and even economic impact of suicide is a
major issue in this country and around the world.
Today
is World Suicide Prevention Day. This is
an important day to begin having discussions about suicide, even if they are
not comfortable or socially acceptable.
When
someone commits suicide, it is devastating to those left behind. Loved ones agonize over the questions; “what
could I have done to prevent this?” or “why didn’t I see the signs?” These are brutal questions for those left
behind. I know because I had to ask myself
those very questions. I had to deal with the aftermath of a suicide and it is not something I would want anyone to go through.
Today
is a reminder that we should all learn the signs of suicide, to intervene if we
are concerned about a loved one, and to advocate for mental health funding and
research. We all can make a difference.
What an important message that can help so many.
ReplyDeleteEstelle
This is such an important message and very personal to my family. I'm writing a book on suicide now.
ReplyDeleteWe just have to keep talking about it.
ReplyDeleteI remember recommending a couple who had lost their son to suicide to a support group. They went only one time. They told me that their own grief was all they could bear -- they simply couldn't listen to others, as much as they wanted to be supportive. It's a grief like no other.
ReplyDeleteAnd another unacknowledged fact is that Americans age 50+ are killing themselves at an unprecedented rate...
ReplyDeleteTomorrow, September 14 2007it our son took his life. We still have no answers and the grief never goes away.
ReplyDelete