The topic of today’s post is not: fun, entertaining, or pleasant. It addresses a tragic fact life in 2018.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

said that in 2015, suicide was the 10th leading

cause of death in the United States, claiming

44,193 lives. By comparison, there were

17,793 homicides.

 

In society we don’t like to discuss suicide. Often, we blame someone whether it be the person who attempts suicide or others in their lives. Part of the reason suicide is so prevalent is that many people still feel stigma about seeking mental health treatment. Somehow, we feel depression is a sign of weakness and want to keep the secret. If we had high blood pressure, we would not feel shame over admitting that publicly.

I have seen first hand the pain in the faces of people who lose someone they love to suicide. It is not pleasant! Many suicides are avoidable if the person contemplating it receives the proper intervention before they decision is made to implement a suicide plan. More resources need to be allocated toward mental health treatment and we must end the stigma attached to receiving mental health treatment!