Talking about a taboo

  • Thursday, May 15, 2014 8:16pm
  • Opinion

Living can sometimes take more courage than dying.

It’s hard to fully understand the drive of someone who takes themselves to the edge, daring to jump off — unless you happen to be someone who has been down in that lonely road.

But, while we know very little about the motivations of a person who chooses to commit suicide, each year about 4,600 people nationwide pick a permanent end to their daily struggles.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the suicide rate on the Kenai Peninsula was about 23 per 100,000 people in 2007-2009, the most recent year for which numbers are posted. While we may not know exactly how many people have died by their own hand here, we know that it is too many. State data shows that Alaska’s suicide rate is nearly twice that of the national average and the leading cause of death in Alaska for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

We’re willing to bet that means you know someone whose life has been altered by the sudden loss of a loved one.

People are uncomfortable talking about it, keeping those who suffer from suicidal thoughts hidden in the dark with their pain. But, the thing is, talking about suicide with friends, neighbors, teachers or anyone else willing to listen might be the key to reaching someone who feels invisible.

Feeling hopeless should never be a private shame. Being bullied into the ultimate submission should never be the only way. Depression, anxiety, hopelessness and low self-esteem are all treatable — a successful suicide is not.

It is the responsibility of the community to recognize that the importance of speaking openly about suicide — especially in situations where the subject has been in the public eye — far outweighs the uncomfortable feelings it produces.

At least one local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is working to reduce the spread of suicide in the area and their Soldotna Out of the Darkness Walk will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Soldotna Regional Sports Center, 538 Arena Ave. The money funds suicide research and educational programs to increase awareness. Check out www.outofdarkness.org for more details.

We urge you to be mindful of the pain of others as you go about your life. Don’t be afraid to reach out — it may just make someone’s life worth living.

More in Opinion

A state plow truck clears snow from the Kenai Spur Highway on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Use of the brine shows disregard for our community

It is very frustrating that the salt brine is used on the Kenai Peninsula often when it is not needed

Therese Lewandowski. (Photo provided)
Point of View: Inflation, hmmm

Before it’s too late and our history gets taken away from us, everyone should start studying it

A cherished "jolly Santa head" ornament from the Baisden Christmas tree. (Photo provided)
Opinion: Reflections of holidays past

Our family tradition has been to put up our Christmas tree post-Thanksgiving giving a clear separation of the holidays

Screenshot. (https://dps.alaska.gov/ast/vpso/home)
Opinion: Strengthening Alaska’s public safety: Recent growth in the VPSO program

The number of VPSOs working in our remote communities has grown to 79

Soldotna City Council member Linda Farnsworth-Hutchings participates in the Peninsula Clarion and KDLL candidate forum series, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at the Soldotna Public Library in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: I’m a Soldotna Republican and will vote No on 2

Open primaries and ranked choice voting offer a way to put power back into the hands of voters, where it belongs

Nick Begich III campaign materials sit on tables ahead of a May 16, 2022, GOP debate held in Juneau. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: North to a Brighter Future

The policies championed by the Biden/Harris Administration and their allies in Congress have made it harder for us to live the Alaskan way of life

Shrubs grow outside of the Kenai Courthouse on Monday, July 3, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Vote yes to retain Judge Zeman and all judges on your ballot

Alaska’s state judges should never be chosen or rejected based on partisan political agendas

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Point of View: District 6 needs to return to representation before Vance

Since Vance’s election she has closely aligned herself with the far-right representatives from Mat-Su and Gov. Mike Dunleavy

The Anchor River flows in the Anchor Point State Recreation Area on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Opinion: Help ensure Alaskans have rights to use, enjoy and care for rivers

It is discouraging to see the Department of Natural Resources seemingly on track to erode the public’s ability to protect vital water interests.

A sign directing voters to the Alaska Division of Elections polling place is seen in Kenai, Alaska, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Vote no on Ballot Measure 2

A yes vote would return Alaska to party controlled closed primaries and general elections in which the candidate need not win an outright majority to be elected.

Derrick Green (Courtesy photo)
Opinion: Ballot Measure 1 will help businesses and communities thrive

It would not be good for the health and safety of my staff, my customers, or my family if workers are too worried about missing pay to stay home when they are sick.