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National Suicide Prevention Month is an annual month-long campaign to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma around the topic and encourage those in need to utilize available resources.
As most of you know, suicide is something I can discuss. It is something I lived first hand with my 22 year old son. Although Larkin’s death was 19 years ago, the thought of someone choosing suicide and the times missing my son are a daily occurrence.
The number of suicide deaths in the US is astonishing. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for people 18-25. For every death by suicide, there are over 25 suicide attempts. Over 44,000 American die by suicide every year.
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Suicide thought can affect anyone regardless of age or background. Suicide thoughts are not normal. 75% of all people who die by suicide are male. All suicides are not young people. The number of senior adults is increasing every year.
One thing for sure, everyone is affected by suicide…not just the victim. Your life is forever changed. You are now living a life you didn’t choose or ever think you would experience. Those left behind…they suffer and suffer for the remainder of their life. Suicide is not the answer.
If a person says they are considering suicide, what are we to do? (This was not the situation with Larkin. I had no idea he was or ever thought about suicide. Sometimes, I think that speaks of a weakness I must possess.)
Take the person seriously
Stay with them
Help them remove lethal means (gun, rope etc)
Escort them to mental health services
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or
Text TALK to 741741
(A new nationwide number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is to be established this year. #988)
My precious friend, Emily Crace Reeves, while at MS State, worked with suicide prevention. Every year, a candle light vigil was held. Emily always remembered Larkin.
Click here for additional stories on suicide
A trending hash tag to use during this month is #BeThe1To. (be the one to help, be the one to listen…)
I am here for you. If you need me…if you just need to scream and cry…always reach out.Email Sue
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
