Published: November 05, 2009 11:10 am      

It’s OK to talk about suicide prevention

How comfortable are you with the topic of suicide? On Sept. 10, many people around the world observed World Wide Suicide Prevention Day. Several members of the Elkhart County Suicide Prevention Coalition decided to bring recognition to this day by having their Annual Awareness Walk in downtown Goshen during the First Fridays event.

As I was one of the members walking that day, I approached passersby with free pencils and magnets from the coalition listing information and emergency numbers for individuals who may be suicidal. I was surprised by the different comments and expressions. As I encouraged people to take an item for themselves or someone they might know, some took them quietly and thoughtfully and read the material on the items. I couldn’t help wonder if they had, at one point in time, felt suicidal or knew of a friend or loved one who had struggled with severe depression.

Conversely, other individuals quickly rejected the free items and were noticeably uncomfortable with the topic. There were even some who took the items but then laughed as I walked by and said under their breath ... “Well, I am sure not suicidal.” I wondered if they felt the need to say that because it was embarrassing and not socially acceptable to have suicidal thoughts.

I was especially touched by one family with their children that chose to walk alongside us and hand out our items. What a message they gave their children that day. Not only was it OK to talk about suicide, but it was important to reach out to others.

There is a reason we have a World Wide Suicide Prevention Day. According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, every year almost one million people die from suicide — a global mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds. An interesting fact is that even though suicide rates have been highest among the male elderly, rates among young people have been increasing to such an extent that they are now the group at highest risk in a third of countries, in both developed and developing countries. IASP pointed out that mental disorders, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, are a major risk factor for suicide in Europe and North America. However, in Asian countries, impulsiveness plays an important role.

We must all remember that suicide is complex with psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors involved. If we hope to make a difference and decrease suicide rates, we must become comfortable talking about it and reaching out to others. If we all work together, we can make a difference.

— Katharine E. Schrock

Elkhart County Suicide

Prevention Coalition

Goshen