Rock Bottom

What no one talks about when it comes to suicide.

This is part of a series, sharing the self-authored book, “The Hard Way: Honest Conversations about mental health in our homes, churches and communities,” which is introduced in this free post as well as this one. The funds given by paid subscribers for this post will be donated to the 988 HelpLine.

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I had hoped I would never experience suicide first hand. I shuttered when I saw it in movies and read fictional stories. My heart broke as I met people who had experienced it in their families. I then experienced an attempt first hand. It was surreal.

Suicide, like mental illness, does not discriminate. More of our society has been impacted by this tragedy than most people realize—people you love and respect like family members, youth pastors and counselors are among the statistics as much as celebrity chefs, sports figures and successful business moguls.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the overall US population.

• In 2023, there were an estimated 1.5M suicide attempts.

• In 2023, men died by suicide 3.8 times more than women.

• In 2023, firearms accounted for 55.36% of all suicide deaths.

• Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.

• In 2023, suicide rates were highest among adults aged 85 and older (22.66 per 100,000), followed by those aged 75 to 84 (19.44 per 100,000).

When you hear someone has attempted or died by suicide, where does your mind go first?

My heart breaks for the person who experienced the trauma.

I think of the family and their loss. I ask the question, “Why?”

I know that more than likely an answer will never come, especially for the loved ones.

But I also morbidly wonder, “How did they do it?”

Why does my mind go there?