One of the hardest stories to cover is that involving suicide.

Normally, I cover suicide in a very point blank manner, keeping with guidelines established by the World Health Organization.

Since I started working in Russellville, back in February or March, I've heard of two deaths that were allegedly suicides. May have been others. We didn't cover them because we found out way too late.

Often, coverage of a suicide results in more angry reader response than anything else.

I’m not sure of all the reasons why it is different from, say, murder, but it is. A different stigma, a lack of understanding is perhaps why.

Please consider some stunning facts many people don't realize.

Every year in the United States, approximately 30,000 people die from suicide. That is 50 percent more than are killed in homicides. Approximately another 750,000 people are hospitalized every year for attempted suicide.

On July 28, 1999, then U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher said, “I don’t think I should have to convince anyone that suicide is a serious public health problem. Not only that, but it is reaching epidemic proportions in some groups. It is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. In recent years Americans have been very concerned about the number of homicides being committed across the country, but it surprises most people to learn that for every two homicides that take place in the U.S., there are three suicides committed.”

Like just about all of us, I've been touched by suicides and attempted suicides. Family members, Coast Guard shipmates, and acquaintances. Two other shipmates seriously wounded themselves in attempted suicides. There have been others I've known, acquaintances, folks I didn't know all that well.

And of course there are the celebrity suicides that occur from time to time.

I am firmly entrenched in the belief that the media must cover suicides if we are to contribute to reducing the number of deaths. I have worked at papers that would not cover a suicide for fear of copy cats, upsetting/outraging families, or a host of other issues.

Hopefully, with a little information, this tragedy may be prevented in someone else's family.

I leave you with a few thoughts. According to the Befrienders web site:

Suicide is rarely a spur of the moment decision. In the days and hours before people kill themselves, there are usually clues and warning signs.

The strongest and most disturbing signs are verbal – “I can't go on,” “Nothing matters any more” or even “I'm thinking of ending it all.” Such remarks should always be taken seriously.

Other common warning signs include:

• Becoming depressed or withdrawn

• Behaving recklessly

• Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions

• Showing a marked change in behavior, attitudes or appearance

• Abusing drugs or alcohol

• Suffering a major loss or life change

Of course, these symptoms do not necessarily mean a person is suicidal, but its possible.

If you feel you need help, call 1-800-Suicidal (784-2433). This is a 24-hour national hotline that can get someone the help they need.

The simple fact is this.

Suicide is not an episodic event, but rather a chronic public health problem with a range of individual and societal implications.

And we need to work to stop it.

– You may call Clay Morgan at 615-670-3658 (cell), 666-2440 (office) or e-mail him at cmorgan@heartlandpublications.com.