Enlarge

Don Cocklin

We live in a society where we can talk about anything. 

We have commercials about erectile dysfunction and feminine products on all day long.  We are aware of rare diseases and we Google topics right and left.  Yet bring up the topic of suicide and people get quiet and start to look for the exit.  Suicide isn’t some rare event; it isn’t politically incorrect; it’s an epidemic that claims hundreds of lives every year.   Among teenagers, it is the third leading cause of death.  The segment of the population with an increasing percentage of suicide is among older Americans.  It really does strike across all ages, and yet we hide it in the back closet like an embarrassment, as something that doesn’t really exist.

For many it is a daily experience that they need to talk about.  They need to know others struggle with it as well and that there is hope.  The first thing you can do for a friend or family member is to hear them, and not discount their feelings.  Of the warning signs for suicide, perhaps the first one is often talking about it.  Much of the time we either ignore those who make out cries or tell ourselves that people who talk about it don’t actually do it.   In most cases of suicide, the people have tried to let someone else know how depressed and desperate they are feeling.

Other warning signs include change in personality or lifestyle -- an A student making F’s.  The person loses interest in normal activities or begins to give away possessions.  In some cases a depressed person may actually act better.  Once a decision is made to attempt suicide it’s almost like a weight has been lifted.  In all cases there is help.  For more information, you can Google the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  This organization offers excellent information and resources.  Locally, you can call the Crisis Hotline, 1-800-832-1009.  Whatever you do please don’t ignore it, but lend a listening ear.