The death of actor-comedian Robin Williams is shining more light on depression and suicide.
Vanderburgh County Coroner Annie Groves tells the Evansville Courier and Press that after a high-profile suicide such as that of Williams, suicides locally tend to increase. She says it often “gives people the courage” to take their own lives.
Whether Williams’ self-inflicted death on Monday will trigger suicides in the region remains to be seen. Regardless, local suicides are on track to eclipse the totals of the last three years.
So far this year, 33 people have died from suicide in Vanderburgh County. At this same time last year, there were 27, with 44 suicides total in 2013. There were 42 in 2011 and 44 in 2012.
Groves says help is available 24-7 for people contemplating suicide, by calling Southwestern Behavioral at 812-422-1100.