By Antisia King
Suicide is a painful reality that affects families, communities and people from every walk of life. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, giving us an opportunity to have conversations we sometimes avoid and to remind people that they do not have to suffer in silence.
According to the CDC, the United States suicide rate increased approximately 36 percent between 2000 and 2022. In 2024, suicide was responsible for 48,824 deaths in the United States. Those numbers are staggering, but sometimes you do not truly understand their weight until it happens to someone you love.
Recently, my family experienced that heartbreaking reality. When I heard that my nephew, Austin Harris, had died, I was in disbelief. When I learned that his death was by suicide, I was speechless. I immediately began asking questions. Why? How could this happen? Were there signs we missed? Was there something we could have done?
When you look at someone from the outside, you may see a beautiful young person with so much life ahead of them. You see their smile, their laughter, their personality and everything that makes them special. What we cannot always see is what someone may be battling inside.
Those struggles can be emotional, mental or spiritual. Some people carry pain they never share with anyone. The CDC reminds us that suicide is rarely caused by one circumstance or event. There can be many contributing factors, which is why connection, family support and access to care are so important.
We have to pay attention to the people we love. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless, believing they are a burden, withdrawing from family and friends, extreme mood changes, increased anxiety or anger, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, significant changes in sleeping or substance use, or beginning to make plans related to suicide.
Sometimes one of the most important things we can do is create a safe place for someone to talk. Listen without judgment. Check on your people and love them with compassion. Make sure they understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
For those of us left behind, we also have to be careful about constantly asking ourselves what we could have done differently. We may never have all the answers. We can love someone, pray for them, listen to them, encourage them to seek help and surround them with family and community. We cannot always know the depth of another person’s internal struggle or control every decision they make. That does not mean we stop caring. It means we continue showing up, speaking up and reaching out.
During this time of grief, I want to recognize the Harris family. In the middle of unimaginable pain, you have shown love, compassion, righteousness and leadership. You have reminded us that even through tragedy, love can become a testimony that may ultimately help another person.
To Austin’s mother, Ashley, no mother should ever have to experience this kind of pain. You are God’s child, and the love, forgiveness, understanding, patience and joy you have continued to show are powerful. I never knew one person could carry so much love in their heart. Knowing the mother you came from and the love and grace that surrounded you, I understand where that strength comes from.
Austin Harris, your presence on this earth will be deeply missed, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for the love, laughter and joy you gave to everyone around you. Your mother and your second mom and grandmother miss you more than words can express, and your family will continue carrying your memory with us.
Until we meet again, Austin.
To anyone reading this who may be struggling, please do not suffer alone. Tell someone what you are going through and allow someone to stand beside you. There are people who want to listen, people who care and people who want you here.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, but caring for one another cannot end when September does.
