James Donaldson on Mental Health - Talking About Suicide Stops Suicide

Anne Nesbit Do you know how many young people we lost on the Key Peninsula and in Gig Harbor to suicide in the last academic year?

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among children and young adults in the United States.

I know that because I’m a first responder with the KP Fire District.

It’s also my job to try to stop it through my work with the Gig Harbor-Key Peninsula Suicide Coalition.

Every day on the Key Peninsula, we wave to our neighbors, volunteer with them, cheer for our children at school events, and gather at community celebrations.

We pride ourselves on being a close-knit community that looks out for each other.

Yet even in communities like ours, people struggle.

Often, those struggles remain hidden behind a smile, a busy schedule, or the simple words, “I’m fine.” Suicide does not discriminate.

It affects people of every age, profession, income level, and background.

It touches students, parents, first responders, veterans, business owners, retirees, and friends.