“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and stigma can create barriers to these prevention efforts,” says Christopher Ramnauth, LCSW, community engagement and partnership coordinator, suicide prevention at VA Western New York Healthcare System.
September is Suicide Prevention Month – a time to raise awareness and encourage meaningful conversation about stigma and suicide. The Anti-Stigma Coalition recently hosted a Facebook Live about suicide prevention.
Panelists were Celia Spacone, Ph.D., coordinator, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County; Sarah Klaiber, founder, Treasures Around Us & community member from the Erie County Suicide Prevention Coalition; and Cheryl Netter, community and coalition member from Genesee County Suicide Prevention Coalition, GOW Pathway to Hope.
If you missed the discussion, watch it here.
Experts shared that being open about suicide creates an opportunity for people to act with care and compassion if they encounter someone who may be in suicidal crisis.
“It is critically important to talk about suicide in public forums so that people can feel empowered to talk about their concerns and possible thoughts of suicide when they occur,” Celia Spacone, coordinator, Suicide Prevention Coalition of the Erie County, said.
“Legitimizing these thoughts leads people to share their thoughts and seek help,” she said. “This forum can help us all be aware of the people in our community who may be showing warning signs of suicide.”
The Facebook event included valuable information about risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors. Stigma continues to a significant factor in preventing people from seeking help.
Sarah Klaiber suggested the following dialogue If you are concerned that someone has suicidal ideation. Even though it’s difficult and uncomfortable, it’s important to say the words.
“You can say: ‘I’m concerned about you, I’ve noticed some changes, and I have to ask you if you are considering suicide,’” Klaiber said.
Cheryl Netter shared her experience as an attempt survivor. Waking up from a coma after she tried to end her life, a nurse asked her where she was and if she knew what happened.
“The next words out of her mouth were ‘do you know how selfish you are?’ These words have stayed with me – this is where stigma comes from,” she said.
“At the time, I felt that what I was doing the most unselfish thing for the people who loved me, because I felt worthless,” Netter said. “Stigma still stands today.”
Ramnauth says that peer support is powerful, and it can leverage the unique understanding that comes from shared lived experiences, which helps reduce isolation, build trust, and inspire hope in individuals navigating mental health challenges.
Spacone also shared statistics about suicide in Western New York.
“The general trend has not been up in the last few years-but there have been dips and rises. Last year (2024) there was an increase. It is hard to explain exactly why,” Spacone said.
“Two thirds of deaths by suicide are men in the middle years of life and I think it’s due to stigma,” she said. “Men are most affected by stigma leading to a reluctance to seek help when they are distressed.
“Men tend to choose the most lethal method of suicide, as well, well-firearms. With a firearm attempt there is little chance of rescue and a second chance,” Spacone said.
According to Spacone, our elderly population is also at risk as they suffer from loneliness, isolation and often medical conditions and chronic pian. These are all risk factors. Further, the elderly are typically frailer and do not survive a first attempt.
If you or someone you know is in crisis: Call or text 988 | 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (716) 834-3131
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Stigma is the one issue that most frequently keeps people from seeking the mental health help which can be lifesaving.”
