Bad times & real human impact in this town of 9,000 people. 2 unrelated suicides in 2 days

[debbierlus]

One slit his throat at the local natural reserve (one of the most beautiful places on the entire planet), just up the hill from our house. This was two nights ago.

Last night, a man one street over from where we live, hung himself.

This is in Western MA. It is better here then many places, but like everywhere, there is poverty and social problems. I do not know the specifics for each individual. however, I do know that the toll of joblessness and poverty combined with lack of health care and rapidly declining state assistance and availability of mental health services for people struggling with mental health issues will exacerbate this type of occurrence.

It is very sad. I am saying a prayer for my little town tonight.

[tpsbmam]

1. Add a third in your area.....

In July we lost a good progressive and I lost a good friend. Economics was pretty much the underlying reason. And this wasn't someone who was poor -- it was someone who used to be able to make a very good living and never failed to jump in and work her ass off.

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=12103

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=12139

[debbierlus]

2. It is awful. I know of more as well. I guess having two in such close proximity shook me a little