(WHTM) — September is Suicide Prevention Month, and experts are conveying one message: don’t ignore warning signs from loved ones, always ask questions, and remember you are not alone.
According to Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania saw 1,925 people die by suicide in 2022. While 1,925 sounds like just a statistic, it means there were 1,925 tragedies, with many more hurt by those tragedies.
“On March 26, everything changed,” said Amanda Blue, the Executive Director of Prevent Suicide PA. “That was the day my husband took his life.”
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What Amanda calls a typical suburban Philadelphia life was turned upside down by her husband committed suicide. Four years later, the unspeakable occurred.
“My son took his life,” Blue said. “He was 14 years old. It was two weeks before his 15th birthday.”
In mourning and motivated to help others, Amanda became Prevent Suicide PA’s Executive Director. The first lesson: no family is immune.