Episode 3 You Are Not Alone Part 1: Mental Health & Suicide

People often think that talking about suicide will cause someone to take their own life, but that is a myth. In this episode of Igniting Hope Radio Kelly Wofford, director of the ECDOH Office of Health Equity joins Pastor George to break the stigma around mental illness, mental disorders and suicidal ideation.

In recent weeks, several high-profile suicides and suicidal ideation has been reported:

Cheslie Kryst, 30 a correspondent for the celebrity news program “Extra” who won the Miss USA title in 2019 while working as a lawyer, died by suicide on Sunday January 30 in New York.

Kevin Ward, 44, Mayor of Hyattsville, Maryland died on Jan. 25 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Ian Alexander Jr. son of actor and director Regina King and music producer Ian Alexander died by suicide on January 19, his 26th birthday.

Katie Meyer, 22, the goalkeeper for Standford University soccer team died by suicide in the week of March 4. Her parents say they had no indication Katie was struggling with her mental health.

Ohio State University football player Henry Miller announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday March 10, citing mental health challenges that had pushed him to the brink of suicide.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about mental health and substance use have grown, including concerns about suicidal ideation. A broad body of research links social isolation and loneliness to both poor mental and physical health.

A recent study shows a 59% increase of suicides in Black Females and 47% increase of suicides in Black Males aged 25 - 34.

In its effort to create a community of care, the Buffalo Center for Health Equity is hosting a 4-week series of conversations entitled You Are Not Alone, a public space to talk about self-harm, suicide and what it means to live.

Visit www.buffalohealthequity.org to register for this free virtual event.

If you or someone you know is thinking of harming themselves, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free support at 1-800-273-8255.

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