Suicide Prevention

Recently I was reminded how important love is when someone reached out for help after taking a bunch of prescription drugs. There was a suicide note in his pocket at the time. Because he reached out, he is alive today. In Kotzebue and the villages of the Northwest Arctic Borough, suicide is a reality that touches nearly all of us either up close or distantly.

Last year there were three suicides here. While we were fortunate that this young man reached out for help, there are countless others near us who will not. Suicide among Alaska natives is commonly linked with depression and mental illness, which often goes untreated in rural areas, as well as with alcoholism. Disconnection from their culture and poverty are other factors that increase the chances of suicide. The highest rates of suicide among natives are between the ages of 20 and 29.

I am writing this post to tell you of the young man mentioned above and because Monday is the beginning of Yellow Ribbon Week at the Club. There will be programs to teach our members about the realities of suicide and to celebrate life, a life worth living. Our members will learn what to say to someone who is considering suicide and what to do if someone they know takes that path.

We will celebrate life because we need to remember how blessed we are, especially those at risk. We need to remember that there are those around who love us, those who would be deeply impacted if we were no longer living. There are those people whose lives we have touched.

We also need to be reminded of our uniqueness and our sameness. God's plan for each of us needs to be carried out by us. Only we can deliver God's mail.

So this week celebrate life. We all have much to be grateful for. Give yourself when you are prompted. Make someone feel loved. And remember that you are dear to your family and friends.