STATION EDITORIAL
Posted August 29, 2020
This is a station editorial, I'm Randal J. Miller, station president.
The Regional Radio listening area has seen an abnormally high number of suicides in recent months and years. And, the stress of the coronavirus outbreak has made it worse.
The word suicide is one we don’t like to talk about or deal with. We think it’s someone else’s problem, and then when you least expect it, a friend or loved one takes their life and you then wonder why. Why did they feel like their life wasn’t worth living? Didn’t they think about those they would be leaving behind? What would lead them to make such a drastic decision?
As I said, we don’t like dealing with the subject because it’s uncomfortable, but too many times even in recent months in our own communities, it’s affected our families and friends.
That’s why we’re going to do something about it. Over the next several months, you’ll hear law enforcement officials, health care professionals, and clergy in interviews and news stories on our group of stations, talk about suicide prevention. Please don’t turn it off because it’s an uncomfortable subject. Listen. Truly listen to understand the “why”, so that maybe you and I can help a relative, neighbor, or friend that may be feeling depressed to the point they’re contemplating suicide.
I’ll be listening even though discussing it or listening about it, IS uncomfortable. But, what’s more uncomfortable is reporting news stories and obituaries about local friends and neighbors that have lost loved ones due to suicide.
Together, let’s address this subject, so we don’t lose anymore of our loved ones, friends and neighbors in our local communities. Together, let’s help those who may be contemplating suicide. Let’s tackle this problem...together.
And, if YOU feel depressed, call 800-273-TALK. That's 800-273-TALK.
That’s our opinion...we welcome yours. Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.
