In the past week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its most recent data on suicide rates in the U.S. Sadly, this announcement was bookended by the deaths of two celebrities, designer Kate Spade and chef/television personality Anthony Bourdain.
The CDC data show that since 1999 suicides have increased in the U.S. by more than 25 percent. In the Northeast, matters are worse, with Maine up 27 percent; Massachusetts, 35 percent; New Hampshire, 48 percent; and Vermont, nearly 49 percent.
We're already treading on difficult ground that can be made all the more treacherous when the national media cover suicides of the rich and famous.
When high-profile deaths by suicide occur, many of us are shocked and saddened. However, for those who may struggle with intrusive and unremitting thoughts of death by their own hand, these suicides can actually feel empowering.
Repeat after me: “suicide.” I intentionally write the word in capital letters, and place it in quotes, because so many of us find the word extremely difficult to see and to say. And yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified suicide as an epidemic in...
RE: “A community photographer, mentor, and friend” [Editorial, April 3]: A nice tribute to a good friend who is already missed by many.