No one is ever alone

Published 7:07 pm Wednesday, July 26, 2017

In the span of about two months, people around the world lost two of a generation’s most beloved musicians: Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and, most recently, Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington.

Both committed suicide.

Bennington was found deceased a week ago. As is the case when a celebrity takes his own life, people poured out support via social media. The support was aimed not only at fellow fans, Linkin Park members and Bennington’s family, but also toward others who may be suffering in a similar way.

North Carolina’s suicide rate (13.04 per 100,000 people) is slightly higher than the United States average (12.97 per 100,000 people), according to Center for Disease Control data aggregated by WorldLifeExpectancy.com. Beaufort County ranked 41st in the state with a rate of 14.56.

A community health needs assessment put together by the East Carolina University Center for Survey Research noted trends in the county compared to the entire state. Suicide was a top-10 cause of death, according to data in 2014.

From 2001 to 2013, the state’s rates remained stable while Beaufort County saw an increase from 13.3 to 14.7 from 2001 to 2010. Rates decreased between 2007 and 2012, but the report suggested that recent rates indicate another increase.

Beaufort County has tight-knit communities. Anyone who has lost a friend or family member here has experienced the mourning and support that comes from all around the area.

The idea of one taking his own life can be a tough subject to discuss. Some believe that talking about it will push a suicidal person toward it. That’s not true. Showing love and concern can actually bring a person back from the edge.

There are always options. No matter what problems are ahead and how overwhelmed one may feel, there are people that care.

To get help, please reach out to a loved one or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Neither Beaufort County, America, nor the world should have to have one more light go out.