Writing and Photography by Jeff E. Brown

We need to talk about suicide because it’s claiming victims at more than twice the homicide rate in America. In 2018, “Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, taking the lives of over 48,000 people. Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54” (Source: NIMH).  While 2019 finally saw a slight drop in the numbers, the stigma of suicide means it will probably never be a dinner table topic.  Yet we surely can make a space for this conversation on the web.

We need to talk about suicide because the people thinking about it right now need our support.  They need friends and counselors and people to check in on them with a simple “How are you feeling right now?” Help, not judgement, is what anyone who is thinking of hurting themselves needs.  

We need to talk about suicide because the survivors of suicide attempts, including their families, must have a safe space to talk about what they’ve gone through.  Healing will only come with talking and sharing and that is so tough to do when you feel judged or guilty for what you have done. 

It can be so difficult to say you need help, so society has to make it easier for people to not feel ashamed for having suicidal thoughts.  Change can happen, if we want it too.  It starts with you and with me- think of your circle of friends and acquaintances.  Is there a person in pain out there that could use your shoulder to lean on?  Somebody you barely know, but you feel like needs help? Reach out now.

In a crisis? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text “NAMI” to 741741.