Suicide an undiscussed epidemic in the north
Matt Marcone
The issue of suicide is perhaps the most common story in the north that very few people care to talk about openly.
Part of this is because it’s an uncomfortable topic and as is the case when someone dies, it’s tough finding anything meaningful to say.
Until recently I’d even include myself in that list, despite having watched friends and colleagues struggle with severe mental health issues in the past, one of which unexpectedly committed suicide in his early 20s.
He didn’t fit the profile in my eyes. He grew up in a loving family, was well-liked, played sports, excelled academically, had a great girlfriend and a lot to look forward to.
None of that mattered that day he decided to take a leap off a bridge.
In my time working in the north, I’ve come across similar stories, albeit quietly and “off the record.”
One story I’ll never forget in High Level happened back in 2014, when a man told his a small group of people that he desperately needed $20 or he was going to kill himself. When they declined giving him the money, he made good on his promise by walking into the pond behind The Source, ending his life in front of them.
Two days later one of his friends approached me outside of our High Level office, severely intoxicated and traumatized, saying he wanted to speak with me about it after sobering up.
I never saw that man again.
Maybe his reasons were similar to the rest of ours.
In Jordan Maskell’s lead story this week, he quoted mental health expert Jay McDonald, whose aim is to raise that conversation.
“If we can stand up and stand together instead of standing out, it makes a massive difference,” said McDonald. “Plus there’s an immense amount of resources that nobody knows about because nobody is talking about it.”
While it may be an uncomfortable topic, I encourage everyone to follow in McDonald’s footsteps. Even something as simple as listening could save a life.