Celebrity suicide brings the topic to mind as a societal
issue. Knowing a person killing him or
herself makes it agonizingly personal.
Robin Williams, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain elevated the
issue significantly recently. I don’t diminish each of their agonies nor their
lonesomeness that may have contributed to their decision. I’ve learned that
often the decision is based on ending a pain – not necessarily ending a life.
Gosh, there are so many factors – I mourn those choosing this option and wish I
had a helpful preventative solution.
I’ve had a handful of people in my life (or the children of
people in my life) making this decision. By the way, this has nothing to do
with me – I’m trying to respectfully chronicle what I know and who I know. When
you hear of these deaths, you don’t know what to say; what to do; even, what to
think. I do mourn the losses.
I’ve also just read that suicide has increased 25% since
1990 – according to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2016 suicide
was the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. resulting in about 45,000 deaths.
In 1987, the FDA approved Prozac and today estimates are
that 13% of our population are on some form of antidepressant (https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176appi.pn.2017.pp9b2).
There are many resources for people who are facing challenges. The questions are: sufficient? effective? Are there roles for families and
friends?
I have no answers and certainly am not a mental health
professional. For what it is worth, I have experienced what “the dark night of the soul” feels like – and don’t
wish it on anyone.
Maybe just be kind. Reach out to people who may be alone.
Invite someone into friendship. We can’t find a simple cure, but simple acts
may make a difference.
God Bless.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255
