El Paso mental health clinic sees increase in calls following celebrity suicides
Following the suicides of Anthony Bourdain on Friday and Kate Spade earlier in the week, a mental health clinic in El Paso wants people to know that help is available.
Mental health experts say that celebrity suicides can serve as a trigger for those who are already suffering from depression.
Reading or hearing about someone who had it all and then takes their own life can make one question their own circumstances.
Celeste Nevarez, a counselor and program manager with El Paso’s Emergence Health Network says celebrity suicides can spark conversations between family and friends about mental health.
People may also be more willing to seek help and Nevarez says the center has already seen an increase in calls, but Nevarez says we have to be careful about how we talk about celebrity suicides.
“It can actually be hurtful based on the conversations that are happening at home right now,” Nevarez said. “If you’re having a conversation or reporting it in a way that’s offensive or rude or shameful, people who are watching are saying ‘what does it matter,’ but there’s help available and you’re not alone.”
According to a recent report by the CDC, the U.S. has seen a 25-percent increase in suicides in the last two decades and last year alone saw 45,000 people take their own life.
The age group that had the greatest increase, was middle aged adults.
“We assume that only teenagers go through this,” Nevarez said. “We’ve seen an increase in adults and senior citizens so we don’t want to eliminate anybody from seeking out help, suicide doesn’t discriminate.”
Nevarez suggests taking a pro-active approach if you see any changes in a friend or family member, reach out to them.
“The more we ask. The more we show our support, the better we’re going to be at catching these things and noticing those red flags rather then ignoring them,” Nevarez said.
For those in need of help, the Emergence Health Network Crisis Hotline is available 24/7, the number is 915-779-1800.
