MICHIGAN, USA — A new report from the Center for Disease Control shows concerning new numbers about suicide in the United States. Preliminary data released this week shows its reached its highest point in more than 80 years.
That new report shows more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022. That's up more than 2.5% percent for men and women combined.
“Suicide can happen to anyone… my daughter was was a senior in college and had a great group of friends, ” said Janice Suhajda.
Suhajda lost her daughter, Julia, or as everyone called her, Gia, to suicide in 2019. But Janice says this isn’t what Gia was remembered for.
“She had been really kind to a lot of other people and, and honestly, probably giving other people the care that she needed,” said Suhajda.
It's an important reminder that even the most kind or outgoing people may be struggling behind closed doors.
“My daughter did express to some of her closest friends that she was struggling and that she was dealing with some suicidal thoughts. And unfortunately, not everyone reacted to that in ways that were helpful to her," said Suhajda.
Knowing how to appropriately respond to someone struggling could make all the difference.
“One of the most important ways is just to listen and to let the person know that we support them and will will sit with them,” said Suhajda.
If you don’t feel like you have someone to go to, or you don’t know how to respond to someone who has suicidal thoughts, help is available.
“We provide services in Ottawa County. To anyone who lives or works or goes to school in Ottawa County. We say that we will not turn you away. However, we are just about to expand services into Kent County,” said Sarah Lewakowski, Executive Director of Mosaic Counseling.
Sarah says this spike in numbers isn’t a surprise for those in the mental services community. She says knowing what signs to look for would help get the numbers down.
“There's different suicide prevention training, but I can't stress enough how important it is for us all to know what to look out for and then what to do,” said Lewakowski.
Something everyone can do is break the stigma surrounding suicide and have more conversations with friends and loved ones about their mental health.
“We just have to keep talking about it, and educating and telling people that it's okay. You know, the last thing that someone needs is to feel shame that they need to reach out for help,” said Lewakowski.
“Just like we are challenged to tackle any other kind of medical illness like cancer or diabetes, we are all challenged to learn what we can do to help prevent suicide and to help keep people alive from it because their lives are really important and matter," Suhajda added.
After Janice's daughter passed, she paired up with a local candle company in Holland to create a candle in Gia's memory, called 'You Matter To Me.'
A portion of the sales go towards the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to support research, advocacy and outreach.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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