Can we talk about suicide? Stigma reinforces the threat

In a recent episode of the television show Madame Secretary, Henry, the husband of Tea Leoni’s secretary of state character, discovers that his father’s death was a suicide. This fact sends shockwaves throughout the family. One sister wants to hide it from the public, another wants to reveal the circumstance, and the truth threatens to rip the family apart.

How interesting that a television show with a political leader as the central character would take on such a taboo subject, since we rarely see suicide’s impact addressed publicly by political or other community leaders.

Every year, nearly 700 Kentuckians die by suicide, introducing their families, loved ones and friends to one of the most painful events of their life. These lives are not distant dramatic representations, but they are our neighbors, schoolmates, fellow parishioners and coworkers.

Many are silenced by the shame and confusion around this experience and profound loss, which is reinforced by their community’s inability or unwillingness to address it. Isolation and stigma create their own kind of threat, leaving these individuals at risk for their own suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Julie Cerel and her research team at the University of Kentucky, and my research team at Eastern Kentucky University are pioneering new ways of better understanding the number of people who are impacted by suicide loss and the effects of suicide on those left behind.

The results are staggering. They suggest that the numbers are much higher than previous calculations. Cerel’s Twitter campaign #NOT6 highlights the gravity of this impact. Almost half of us know at least one person who has died by suicide.

For every suicide, there may be as many as 130 people who knew the person and and are affected by their suicide. Depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation are much higher among those significantly impacted, as is suicide attempt. This may be why addressing the needs of the suicide bereaved is one of the best suicide-prevention measures. Addressing the impact and potential trauma of suicide may mitigate the confusion, guilt and self-blame that often accompany it.

The Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group has been called upon by State Rep. Jill York to facilitate a community forum to address the impact of eight suicides in Carter County this year. If these suicide deaths are calculated into actual individuals impacted by these deaths, it is possible that over 1,000 individuals were exposed and impacted by these deaths and, perhaps, at risk for their own suicide.

With a population of just over 27,000, Carter County cannot afford to lose any more of its citizens. York’s leadership on this issue is what other political and community leaders should be doing. Without addressing it, the problem only festers and spreads.

Kentucky ranks in the top 20 states with the highest suicide rates. Over 42,000 Americans die by suicide every year and it represents the 10th-leading cause of death, both nationally and in Kentucky. Yet, suicide prevention is almost never addressed as a cause to be championed.

The irony is that Kentucky has enormous resources. Robust research initiatives are occurring at its universities and hospitals, not to mention suicide-prevention expertise in state government and on college campuses.

Kentucky is the second state to mandate that behavioral-health providers receive specialized suicide training to address the deficit of clinical expertise in treating suicidal individuals.

EKU’s clinical psychology doctoral program offers a specialized class in addressing suicide, as does UK’s College of Social Work. Suicide bereavement groups are thriving in Central Kentucky. Yet, our community leaders are not embracing it as a problem to address publicly.

The public-affairs campaign to stem suicide in Kentucky has yet to be waged. Suicide continues to be reported about in the news media, portrayed through fictional accounts and discussed in academic circles. It is not being addressed by the people who can make the most impact, however.

Community leaders including clergy, political leaders and others who are used to taking unpopular stands for the betterment of those they represent may want to ponder the losses they have in their own backyards and what to do about it.

We are not helpless against suicide. There are interventions and messages of understanding and hope that help people who are impacted significantly by suicide. Without the community leadership to raise awareness and provide resources, no one will ever know.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 6:56 PM with the headline "Can we talk about suicide? Stigma reinforces the threat."