OPINION: It’s time to talk about suicide again

Grief and depression thrive in the shadows. However, in the light of day, with the support of friends, we can build a beautiful, messy, imperfect, and completely priceless life.

To build hope for the future, we need to bring discussions about mental health into the light of day. Fearless conversations about mental health can help to break the stigma that surrounds suicide.  

To spark these conversations, the Kootenai County Democrats are proud to once again sponsor the 2024 Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho’s annual 5k Walk. This is the 7th year we have been a title sponsor for this important community event. 

In 2023, Idaho experienced a devastating surge in suicide deaths. Families and friends still mourn and miss the 458 Idahoans who completed suicide last year. The state's suicide rate reached a staggering 23.3 deaths per 100,000 population, making suicide the 7th leading cause of death in Idaho. 

Locally in Kootenai County, families and friends of 21 people who completed suicide continue to have their worlds spun off its axis. Kootenai County tragically has the highest number of completed suicides in the five northern counties.

These sobering statistics reveal a growing mental health crisis that demands immediate attention and action from the community, government, and health organizations.

We have to be brave enough to talk about this. Innocent lives are on the line. 

Among the 458 lives lost, 34 were minors under the age of 18. The loss of young lives to suicide is particularly heartbreaking, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention and support systems for vulnerable youth. 

The impact of suicide ripples through families, schools, and communities, leaving a trail of grief, confusion, and unanswered questions.

To help provide hope and support to our community, the Panhandle Health District's Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho offers a crucial lifeline. Every first Wednesday of the month, SPAN hosts a Survivors of Suicide Loss Support group at the Hayden location, with a virtual option also available. This compassionate, peer-to-peer support group provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, navigate grief, and find solace in the company of others who understand their pain. The group is open to everyone, offering a beacon of hope and community connection.

In addition to local support, the 988 Lifeline is a vital resource available nationwide. This national network of local crisis centers offers free and confidential emotional support to individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether through text, call, or chat, the 988 Lifeline provides immediate access to trained professionals who can offer guidance, support, and, most importantly, a listening ear. 

Our local commitment to support for 988 is getting stronger.  

By calling this number, you can give yourself or your child access to a Mobile Crisis Unit. The unit offers personal support Monday-Friday from 7 am to 5 pm with plans to expand in January. This mobile unit is available in both Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston. 

For those in the midst of a mental health crisis, knowing that help is just a call away can make all the difference.

To raise awareness and foster a sense of community, SPAN is organizing its Annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness 5K on Saturday, September 14th at Riverstone Park. This free event is dedicated to honoring those lost to suicide, supporting those affected, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. The 5K is more than just a walk or run; it is a powerful statement of community resilience, unity, and commitment to preventing further tragedies. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others, share stories, and contribute to a cause that affects so many lives.

Although the event is free, supporters can choose to purchase a long-sleeve soft cotton blend commemorative 5k shirt for $30, a pair of Suicide Prevention 'Let's Walk About It' socks for $15, or sponsor a 18” x 24” “In Memory of Dedication” in the amount of $10 for a personalized memory sign to be placed along the course of the 2024 SPAN Walk.

All funds raised during the 5K will go directly to community organizations working to improve mental health access and resources in Idaho. These funds are crucial in supporting programs that offer counseling, crisis intervention, and other mental health services to those in need. By participating in the 5K, community members can actively contribute to the fight against suicide and support initiatives that save lives.

The growing suicide crisis in Idaho is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health care, community support, and open conversations about mental health. Each life lost to suicide is one too many, and it is our collective responsibility to take action. Whether by attending a support group, utilizing the 988 Lifeline, or participating in the 5K, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference.

Together, we can create a community where everyone feels supported, valued, and heard. Every step we take in raising awareness, offering support, and advocating for mental health can save lives and bring hope to those who need it most.

Showing care, love, and concern for another human being is never the wrong answer. By reaching out and making mental health a priority, we can all move toward a more perfect union.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.