During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Southampton resident reflects on loss of loved one

September 27, 2024

Featuring:
Carla J. Potts
Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher, PhD, FAED, CEDS-C

Dr. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher is quoted in this Suicide Prevention Awareness Month article, sharing her perspective on the connection between chronic illness and suicide. She notes, "Patients do better when they have social support. We know that things like that impact one's physical well-being." Dr. Astrachan-Fletcher noted the significant shift in providers over the past 20 years as they better understand the connection between mental health and physical recovery.

Dodging puddles and raindrops on a Friday afternoon 25 years ago, I headed to the university’s textbook annex to grab what I needed for the fall semester of my senior year. Having just finished the first week of classes, I chatted excitedly with my then-boyfriend (now husband), Jason, about school, my soon-to-be career in journalism and our future. Noting the rainy weather, he said he wanted to check on his dad before we went home.

The day flew by and after exhausting my back-to-school shopping, we arrived at our apartment — soggy, McDonald’s bags in hand and my checkbook a lot lighter. As we settled in for the evening, the phone rang. I remember the look on Jason’s face as someone on the other end informed him his father was at the hospital and not to arrive alone.

We never made it to check on his dad that day.

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