No matter our age, no matter our race and no matter our gender we cannot be afraid to openly discuss the topics of depression and suicide.
Three local mental health professionals all shared this opinion during a recent installment of KVOE’s Talk of Emporia centered on those exact topics. The conversation was the latest installment in a three-part series KVOE has conducted on the subject in recent months.
The latest discussion came about following the shocking suicide of Melinda Coleman, the mother of Daisy Coleman a well-known advocate for victims of sexual assault whose own personal story was detailed in the Netflix documentary Audrie and Daisy. Melinda Coleman’s suicide followed Daisy’s back on Aug. 4 of this year.
Melinda’s suicide just four months later shed light on an important fact for many, depression and suicide do not have age limits. In fact, according to Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention Director Melissa Owen suicide is a very common occurrence for adults who have lost a child to the same circumstances.
While the majority of conversations focus more on teenagers and children it is important to understand that depression is a lifelong struggle that affects individuals well past their formative years.
According to Lucas Moody of Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness, the pressures and stressors that often trigger depression in our youth never truly fade away. He says on the contrary they can often be compounded by additional stressors that come with adulthood.
He says some of these stressors are self-imposed and some are not.
Moody went on to point out that many adults tend not to speak about the subject not out of fear of the topic, but rather due to feelings of shame based on societal stigmas. He then shared a brief excerpt from a literature review that stated, “Stigma may derive from a social perception that the act of suicide is a failure by the victim and a family to deal with some emotional issues. Stigma and shame are barriers to seeking help and receiving support from mental health professionals as well as friends and family.”
So what can we do? According to the experts, we can converse. TinaRae Enns Scott, a Victim Advocate for SOS Inc., says open and honest dialogue is something we are severely lacking in today’s society.
All three experts encourage residents to check in with family members of all ages regularly, especially if you are noticing warning signs of depression such as sudden shifts in mood, noticeable withdrawal from others and signs of self-harm.
For those who may be uncomfortable speaking with family or friends about suicide or depression, whether it is your own struggles or theirs, Moody says there are plenty of trained individuals available to speak with both locally and nationally.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide or have been a victim of sexual assault and would like to utilize these resources you may contact Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness by calling 620-343-2211, Beacon for Hope at 620-481-9251 or SOS Inc. by calling 620-343-8799.
You can also utilize the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling 800-273-8255. Individuals in need can also text 741-741 if they would prefer.
