EDITOR'S NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help it is available. The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. It's available 24 hours everyday.
More people are killing themselves than ever before. Last year, nearly 45,000 Americans died by suicide. What’s even more alarming, there were one point four million attempted suicides. And it’s those who survive and their family members that can often be left with little help and little resources.
Now, one woman has taken her pain from attempted suicide and turned it into a tool to help others.
These are all real emails from people who have suffered trying to overcome attempted suicide all sent to this woman. Juliet Kirwan Carr’s father attempted suicide—twice. His pain and the pain she and her family felt afterwards led her to study Suicidology.
Author and Activist Carr told Ivanhoe, “Suicidology is the study of suicide.”
Juliet’s research found support group after support group for family members of those who died by suicide. But very little for those who survived.
“My sibling attempted suicide when I was 7, then my dad, then my daughter,” Erica Kitzman said.
Kitzman looked everywhere for help didn’t find any until she found Carr.
“Juliet really focuses on the caregiver aspect and self-care,” Kitzman said.
Carr started this website-ASH-for people looking for acceptance, strength and healing.
“She gives permission to grieve,” Kitzman explained.
It gives clear advice and resources for people who have feelings of suicide, have attempted, or if you are a friend or family member.
“The best thing you can say to someone who is suicidal or having suicidal thoughts is that you’re not going to leave him alone,” Carr said.
Have that person promise not to harm themselves for 48 hours.
“The percentage of people who won’t harm themselves is very, very high,” Carr said.
The worst thing you can say?
“Gosh, I know that you’re having a hard time,” she said.
The best thing you can do is listen. And if you need help you can find resources here.
Carr says the stigma of attempted suicide keeps many people from getting the help they need. And in some states like Florida, it’s illegal to attempt to take your own life and you could face prosecution. Juliet has been on Ted Talk and has written two books. Attempted Suicide, The Essential Guidebook for Love Ones. Her second, Attempted Suicide Answers from People Who Have Attempted both can be purchased through amazon and on her website.
