Suicide

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In this episode of the Recovery Rebirth Podcast, we discuss an incredibly serious topic that could be triggering. Suicide & suicidal ideation is all too common for people in recovery. Suicide can be described as a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

In researching this topic, we were surprised to learn that rates of suicides didn’t increase sharply during the pandemic, unlike relapse rates which soared. We also discovered that the rates of suicide among men, especially middle aged and older men, are approximately four times higher than those for women in the United States. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC.

We share our personal experiences and those of people close to us who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide. We discuss some of the warning signs that someone may be pondering suicide: losing interest in activities, isolating or withdrawing from friends/family, giving away possessions, etc. It’s common for loved ones left behind to be consumed with guilt or wonder what they could have done to prevent their loved ones death. They are left with many questions and no answers. It’s a very complicated type of grief to lose someone to suicide. .

There are many reasons people may feel that they can’t face another day. Addiction, depression, loss of a loved one, or break-up/divorce. Mounting financial stress can also cause people to feel hopeless. Housing or food insecurity are real concerns facing many folks in our society today. We know that life can be brutal some days & it can be tempting to give up. But we also know from personal experience it can also get better. We’re grateful we were willing to see what tomorrow held when today seemed impossible to survive.

We implore you to reach out for help if your feeling helpless rather than withdraw & isolate. You matter, you are worthy & your life has so much purpose.

If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless, please check out the resources below. It is our hope that they will offer you hope!

Resources.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

Crisis Hotline

2-1-1

Websites

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

https://afsp.org/

https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources Emergency Resources

https://afsp.org/find-a-support-group/ Support Groups

Suicide Prevention Resource Center