Suicide On The Increase

Susan Flynn’s son made a grisly New Year’s resolution: He planned to take his life before the year ended.

Weeks later, she found her son hanging in a closet.

In her grief, she found out that he had told a friend about his plans for suicide.

The friend reminded him of the people who loved him in an effort to discourage him. But the friend did not take the threat seriously enough to share his dire prediction with Mark’s family.

Susan Flynn spoke in Grafton Friday night in hopes that no one else makes the same mistake.

She was one of the speakers at a suicide prevention forum held at

"Listen to what your children say, and to what they don't say,'' she said. "Listen, believe them and get help ... and always remember, you're not alone'' and that resources are available.

“Grafton has been hit hard’’ by suicide, said Roger Trahan, who helped organize the event. “I believe one person can make a difference.’’

The issue is a timely one, both locally and nationally. Sucide is on the rise in recent years across the country, said Kimberly Gleason of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The struggling economy is a major reason behind the increase, she said.

Steve White talked about Depressed Anonymous, a 12-step group for people struggling with depression. The group meets weekly in Shrewsbury.

The group provides “a safe place where you can talk freely … without ever being judged by people in our meetings.’’

Speakers at the forum spoke about a variety of issues, including depression, suicide among gay teens and the impact a suicide has on families left behind.

But all shared a common message: A key way to prevent suicide is to listen carefully and to take the issue seriously.

Signs to watch for include:

Feelings of hopelessness

Loss of a loved one, relationship or job

Noticeable changes in appetite, sleeping or personal appearance

Risk-taking behaviors

Talking about suicide

Speaking out can save a life, said Debbie Helms of Samaritans, an organization that has 24-hour helplines available for those considering suicide.

This is an especially important message for teens to understand, she said. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 20. Only accidents and homicides claim more lives in this age group.

“It’s not tattling,’’ she said. “It’s better to have someone mad at you for a few minutes…than possibly losing them,’’ she said.

Grafton resident Julie Pingree, who became involved in Internal Ways after her own suicide attempt, urged people struggling with depression to reach out to family, friends and professionals, if needed.

Taking a step back and gaining perspective can also help greatly, she said.

And cut yourself some slack. “You are not your job, or your lack’’ of a job,’’ she said. “No one’s perfect. Everyone makes mistakes.’’