It’s OK to talk about suicide prevention

November 5, 2009

Anonymous The Goshen News Thu Nov 05, 2009, 11:11 AM EST

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

Text Only

Letters to the Editor

Goshen sidewalk crowding is the new cruising
I’m writing in response to the article in The Goshen News (May 16), entitled “Way Paved for Sidewalk Ordinance.” To recap quickly: The older people (business owners, the Establishment, “The Man”, the 1 percent) in Goshen don’t like the younger people crowding the sidewalk during First Fridays.

May 19, 2012
A 'compassionate conservative?'
You’ve all heard the term “compassionate conservative” used by liberals. They called George W. Bush a compassionate conservative, among other things. Have you ever noticed how liberals love to label people?

May 19, 2012
Partisanship OK in Congress, but not in other elected offices
During the primary election season there was much discussion regarding whether bipartisanship is a positive or negative attribute as it relates to the work of the United States Congress. When I speak to students, I often mention the vital role of partisanship within the legislative branch of government.

May 18, 2012
Elkhart County community's help appreciated
On behalf of the Child And Parent Services Board of Directors, staff and the families we serve, our heartfelt thanks go out to the generous people of Elkhart County.

May 17, 2012
Why not just close Main Street?
I thought Goshen spent millions of dollars just a few years ago to widen and increase Third Street to two-way traffic and make Fifth Street a two-way street so that traffic flow on Main Street would be greatly reduced. So, why can’t the Goshen City Council address the problem of the number of people at First Fridays by closing the downtown section of Main Street for one afternoon/evening per month and allowing people to congregate on the street?

May 17, 2012
Sponsors help First Fridays thrive
Last month, more than 150 volunteers, 30 city staff members, and 16 sponsors donated time, talent and treasure to make the event a success. First Fridays simply would not exist without the good will and hard work of many individuals coming together.

May 13, 2012
Proving Rush Limbaugh wrong?
We can confirm that President Obama has officially broken Rush Limbaugh’s heart by achieving the success that Rush wished against. Remember after the 2008 election when Rush famously hoped our new president would not be successful? Well the evidence is insurmountable that Mr. Obama has gotten the best of Rush.

May 12, 2012
Shelters should neuter animals
This letter is on the subject of neutering animals, especially cats.

May 11, 2012
Mourdock is bought and paid for
It is sad to watch, but once again the Tea Party has been duped by big business and banks into supporting causes and people who will do harm to the rank and file in the Tea Party.

May 11, 2012
America cannot afford another Republican president
Remember 2001 and how President George W. Bush inherited the biggest federal surplus in postwar history? The Congressional Budget Office even projected the federal government would be debt-free by 2009. The country was in terrific fiscal shape to deal with any crises or emergencies in the future, even ready to handle the retirement of the Baby Boom generation.

May 11, 2012
More Letters to the Editor Headlines

What are your big plans for Memorial Day Weekend?

Letters to the Editor

Search Results

It’s OK to talk about suicide prevention

What are your big plans for Memorial Day Weekend?

Site Map