BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — Suicide continues to be a growing problem. According to the CDC, 36,00 people take their own lives every year and more than 374,000 are treated in hospitals for self-inflicted injuries. The debate has been if suicides spike during the holiday season.
The CDC states it's a myth but rates do peak during the fall. However, Barbara Cataneo said depression does rise this time of year and suicides are just unfortunately more common all year round now.
Cataneo dedicates her life to spreading awareness about suicide and helping those it's impacted after she lost her partner. She said, "he was in such a state. I didn't realize what was going on and he took his own life on June 12, 2016 and after that happened I couldn't fund any resources to help me." So she created her own peer support group.
"The people who are in our day to day lives can't relate or understand and you really need that support of people who's walked in those shoes," said Cataneo. She said this group is what got her to where she is now and she just encourages people to talk. "Don't be quite. Whether you're a survivor of a loss or whether you're thinking about suicide, it's important to speak up and talk and tell people how you feel," said Cataneo. She added, "if you see someone who's struggling, reach out and try to help. Don't just ignore. Let them know you're there and you're trying to help them."
There are a number of other organizations available to help. Seasons Suicide Bereavement Group in Lutherville has been open for 33 years and Keep Hope Alive in Carroll County just opened a month ago. If you need help immediately, you can always dial 211 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
