Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages in 2010 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with an average of 105 suicides a day. The recent suicide death of actor and comedian Robin Williams has increased conversations about and attention to suicide.
In the wake of Williams’ death, former South Florida Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart testified before the U.S. House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee about his own son’s 2013 suicide death. During the meeting, lawmakers explored policy changes to better address mental illness and developing a dialogue on how the media covers suicide. We explore suicide prevention, where to turn for help in Southwest Florida and grieving the loss of a loved one who’s taken their own life.
What can be done to better address understanding suicide and suicide prevention?
Guests:
Denna Baxter, Author of Surviving Suicide: Searching for ‘Normal’ with Heartache & Humor and advocate for the mentally ill
Denise Kitson, Director of Clinical Services, Park Royal Hospital
Ron Sanford, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collier County
Jacqueline Sly, Communications Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collier County
