Guest Opinion Yes, suicide can be stopped
Bucks County Courier TimesJul 05, 2018
The deaths by suicide of two celebrities has once again brought mental illness into the national conversation. In two more weeks, the topic will be forgotten, except for grieving families who will carry their losses forever.
Suicides have soared nationwide over the last two decades, according to the
The statistics are shocking.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24 year-olds, according to The Suicide Prevention Lifeline. More than 9 million adults had serious thoughts of suicide within the past 12 months.
Ever heard of Rhett Miller II, lead singer of Old 97's? He attempted the deed when he was only 14 years old but reports that therapy, which he continues to this day, has saved his life. He also journals.
On
Fourteen performers told their stories in front of a sold-out audience. Attending were members of
With passion, they told about the onslaughts of incest, rapes, beatings, drug and alcohol abuse.
The audience cheered Quinn when he said he hasn't had a drink in two years.
"One day at a time," is the motto of
Angela, a member of New Directions, worried about her son Greg for years. A brilliant young man with a good job, he had made one suicide attempt and was lax about taking his medication.
As suicide experts like
Sadly, Angela's 30-year-old son did take his own life. She finds comfort in attending church, taking medication herself, meeting with a psychotherapist, and going for bike rides with her partner George.
"A suicidal act is the result of a temporary state of the mind," wrote a mental health specialist in
"It's alarming," continued the
Alcohol lowers inhibitions to kill yourself, says
Often there are signs that a person is contemplating suicide. These include hopelessness, giving away belongings, isolation, and talking about suicide.
Yes, suicide can be stopped. People with mental health problems should be on medication and receive counseling. These are the people who have climbed through the wall of "stigma" so they can live one more day to celebrate the joys of life.
Resources include: The Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255; "This is My Brave" on