By Tony Coder, executive director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
In my role, I attend funerals for Ohioans who have died by suicide. One of them was a young woman, and after her death, her family felt a lack of support. Her mother shared with me that when her other daughter died of cancer, the community rallied around the family, providing meals, offering to clean the house, and helping with her other children’s activities. However, when her daughter died by suicide, there was no similar outpouring of support. She felt hurt, realizing later that people didn’t know how to talk about suicide. This lack of support and hesitancy to talk about death by suicide is a common experience for families who have lost someone to suicide, which can lead to feelings of isolation and guilt. Suicide is a complex issue without a singular cause.
September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time not only for raising awareness but also for making real changes in how we approach mental health and suicide. We have a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of these complex issues, promote open dialogue, and break down the stigma that often prevents effective intervention.
Suicide continues to be a significant public health issue in our nation and our state. In Ohio, we lose five people to suicide every day. While recent statistics from the Ohio Department of Health show a drop in youth deaths by suicides in 2022, we continue to see alarming rates among men and at-risk populations like our senior citizens. We must look beyond the numbers and recognize the complex contributing risk factors to address this.
Education is our first line of defense. We must talk about suicide and create an environment that provides meaningful support for those who are facing a mental health crisis or who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideations. By avoiding discussions about suicide, we are creating obstacles for those who need access to help.
Our focus should also extend to the various community initiatives designed to prevent suicide and support recovery. Many schools have implemented comprehensive programs, including Sources of Strength Ohio and Be Present Ohio: The Online Experience, to educate students and staff about mental health and create a supportive environment. These initiatives are instrumental in early identification and intervention, potentially saving lives and fostering resilience among young people
We must address the needs of individuals who have attempted suicide or families and friends grieving a loss. Post-suicide recovery plans should be robust and compassionate, offering continuous support rather than a one-time intervention. One example of this is L.O.S.S. Teams, which are trained to respond to those left behind after a suspected suicide loss. L.O.S.S. team members, many of whom are fellow loss survivors, provide practical support and a connection to resources. Most importantly, they plant seeds of hope.
Access to professional mental health services is critical, and promoting awareness of these resources can help individuals seek the support they need. Ohio’s 988 crisis hotline is indispensable for providing immediate support. Ensuring its continuous availability demands committed funding.
Suicide Prevention Month is not just a time for reflection but a call to action. By working together—schools, state leaders, local organizations, healthcare providers, and individuals—we can foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed, and everyone feels empowered to seek help. Reducing stigma, increasing education, removing barriers to mental health care, and having conversations are all steps toward the goal of zero deaths by suicide.
Together, we can build a more supportive, understanding, and proactive approach to mental health and suicide prevention.
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Tony Coder is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, where he leads the charge to support community-based efforts in Ohio to reduce the stigma of suicide, promote education and awareness about suicide prevention, provide training and development, and increase resources and programs that reduce the risk of lives lost to suicide.
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