By Dany Feinstein
I am sick and heartbroken by what I’ve seen happening in our community regarding suicides. My heart, and my deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the families and friends. Nothing will take away that pain and loss.
“No man is an island; and this is also an issue that affects us all. I believe it needs to be brought more to the forefront of awareness. I am trying to do that on Facebook and here in the newspaper –…hence, this letter.
Even with all the love, support and resources in the world, some suicides, regrettably, will not be able to be prevented. But I believe that one person can make a difference; and one person can save a life. And, I believe we have many of those ‘one persons’ here.
The excessively high rate of suicides in this county, compared to the entire nation, indicates a very serious problem that needs to be addressed more aggressively. It is my understanding that, as of 2014, White Pine County rates number 5 in suicides out of 3100 counties across the nation. Number 5 out of 3100!! And that is up from number 9 in 2006. That is horrific!
It is my opinion that we, as a community, need to rally on what appears to be the biggest problem in White Pine County. While there are some resources available, they are not nearly enough – not even close. Many who seek help locally find that the waiting list to get it is weeks or months.
In addition to obtaining or setting aside more funds from federal, state, county and city governments, one idea I had was to gather a list of volunteers who want to get involved to help do more in different ways. Perhaps, we could set up a call list of people who would be willing to take calls, maybe in 1-2 hours shifts – not to counsel, but just to listen, be a friend, and refer to appropriate resources. The list could be distributed to students and adults. Another idea is for a central helpline. Years ago, I worked on a help line and when one number was busy, the call was rerouted to the next person in line. Perhaps, Verizon or AT&T could donate that and help set it up. From what I understand, in that situation, professional training would be required. Fine.
I’m sure that most of us, if we saw someone in distress at the Post Office, grocery store or wherever, would offer a kind word, helping hand or more. That is just humanity; and that is what I’ve seen in White Pine County and what makes me proud to be a part of it. Maybe a volunteer call list is one place to start; it’s just a thought.
A lot of help is needed to impact this situation; no doubt. We need to start somewhere, though – taking what we have to work with now and going further with it. I don’t have all of the answers – not even a small part. But I want to help, as I know a lot of you do, too. All I know is something needs to be done NOW. Thank you for listening.
Well I no longer live in Ely but I do have one suggestion. Start by helping those families that have survived a loved one’s suicide . I have had four family members die this way three of which were in White Pine County. There are ministry programs that help suicide survivors deal with this. This is one way to help them heal and give you your best advocates for your program. Families are not the only ones hurt by this, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. Open a program that helps all effected. You will stop some suicides just doing that. Help the children who have had a parent commit
suicide you do not know how much they need your help. You may just prevent that child from committing suicide later.
Too often we do not recognize the symptoms and indicators that “may” suggest a person is in need of the right kind of help. Often though the indicators are hidden to deeply and not recognized until it is too late. I believe often a person who may think they are helping only pushes the problem a little further. We need to know when to take action and how to handle the problems without making them worse.
We put a big load on teachers, law enforcement officers, employers and others in asking them to watch for these things. Professionally many employers may become aware of personal problems of their employees but still do not know how to handle the problem thus ignore it.
Maybe a series of local classes made available to specific groups and other classes to interested participants on indicators to watch for, how to address the problem with the individual and when/where to refer the problem may help. There should be money (a grant) available at the state and federal level to finance an effort to address the problem.
Following the several classes: a round table discussion of the outcome of the classes with the instructors, representatives from law enforcement, teachers, medical staffs, employers and one or two attendees from each class would be beneficial (at the end of each class every attendee could submit their critique of the class including ideas on how to bring a change to the problem. A conversation as to what was learned, what the individuals are taking out of he class with them, questions unanswered, and more suggestions that individuals can share. Comments, interest and unresolved concerns from the attendees should be recorded.
Just talking does not work; we need to learn what to do with what we hear. A round table discussion with the appropriate people generally brings out the little things most of us forget, more personal opinions and ideas can be used to set a ground work for an organized effort.
Pearl Bailey once said, ” Everybody wants to do something to help, but nobody wants to be first.”
Dwayne, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestions Your points are well-taken. Thank you, again.
Carol, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestions. I am so sorry for all the loss in your family; and extend my deepest sympathies and condolences. Thank you, again, for your excellent suggestions!