Suicide: Time to drag it out of the darkness

Mention suicide and watch people avert their eyes, fumble with something in their pocket or just say, “Oh, look at the time! Must go!”

As a country, as a society, we must step into the light and take a stand to become better informed. To become better informed allows us all to be better prepared and more willing to help those in need. Did you know that suicide can be prevented?

So, the whole “country/society” thing is way too large to tackle, but we can begin right here, right now, right within our own community.

Do you know what to look for? Do you know who to call or what the next right step to take is? Did you know that there is a Suicide Prevention Task Force that meets in Taunton MA (and serves 11 more communities) every 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:00 PM, at 110 County St (Silver City Teen Center)? If you don’t live in Taunton, do you know whether or not your community has a task force to help address this public health issue?

Did you know that suicide can be prevented? Please take time to ask how someone is doing if they seem a bit “down.” And please stand still long enough to listen. And don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you considering hurting yourself?”