This episode is a very important conversation about suicide, which might be painful and triggering for some listeners. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or are worried that someone you love might be suicidal, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. That is 1-800-273-TALK, or 8255. Help is available.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019 47,500 lives were lost to suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States. Controlled by age, the numbers are even more grim; Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 35, second only to accidental injury. The US Department of Health and Human Services found that in the last ten years, suicide rates among children have increased by a horrifying 56%.
Behind each of these lives tragically lost to suicide, there are loved ones left to struggle with the emotional aftermath. For definitional purposes, a suicide survivor refers to someone who has lost a loved one to suicide. By contrast, a person who has survived a suicide attempt is referred to as an “attempt survivor”.
In today’s podcast, Tricia speaks with Rick Mogil and Julia Asea, from Suicide the Bereavement Services at Didi Hirsch Mental Health. Created for people bereaved by suicide, this program addresses the special needs of people struggling with complex grief, which often accompanies a loved one’s suicide. Co-facilitated by a therapist and a peer who has also lost a loved one to suicide, the groups help survivors cope with their loss in a positive and productive way.
In My Backyard is brought to you by The Guidance Center, a children’s mental health agency in Long Beach, CA. In My Backyard is produced by Tricia Costales and Matthew Murray. Thank you to Jay Vincent B for original music. All other music licensed through SoundStripe. Thank you to our listeners and supporters.
Please visit tgclb.org or text HOPE to 562-262-5689 to make a one-time donation or join our Hope and Healing Club to become a monthly donor today. And subscribe to In My Backyard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.