Last week at the Pierre, the Fountain House annual symposium and luncheon focused on the topic of “Suicide: Looking for Answers” with a panel of experts in this field. A special humanitarian award was presented to HBO’s Sheila Nevins, introduced by Rosie O’Donnell.
Dr. Maria Oquendo opened the symposium with the grim news that suicide has increased for girls aged 10-14, and for women aged 45-64. Professor Thomas Joiner who had lost his father to suicide spoke of three feelings often shared by those contemplating taking their lives: they often feel fearsome, burdensome, and lonely. Most emotional was Kevin Hines, a young man who survived after throwing himself off the Golden Gate Bridge. Rescued by the coast guard after a woman in a car called, and then immediately operated upon for his broken back, Hines is now an inspirational speaker on suicide, traveling all over the world with a message for those who see a loved one on the brink: “Have a meal together.”
Always gracious, Nevins was brief: “I like to do films about empathy, so that’s what I do. Let’s live and be happy and help other people.”
Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura
If you — or someone you know — need help, please call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If you are outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of international resources.
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