Too many suicides by train

Lately in Flagstaff, AZ more people are taking their lives by train. Every one of these people have their own reasons for doing it.

Let's talk about their state of mind when feeling so desperate that they think the only solution is to end it all.

My first experience with suicide was when I was in college when my girlfriend's younger brother was living with us. I came home to him laying on the floor in his room with a gun to his head. He had his reasons why he felt that was the right decision for him at the time. After lots of negotiating with him, he finally dropped the gun and decided he was strong enough to fight what he was facing. Personally, I don't know what I would have done if I would have witnessed him kill himself. And selfishly, I hope to never witness anyone taking their life.

I have friends and family that have witnessed people dying, some accidentally, and some on purpose. I won't get into the gory details but let's just say that people will always find a way if they want to do it bad enough.

The train going right through town is just a tool for people that want to commit suicide. In other places I've lived, people jump off bridges and heights inherently provide a tool for humans that have no will to live.

Making it less convenient for someone to access the railroad tracks could be helpful. Let's face it, drinking alcohol and trains aren't usually a good mix. I haven't dug up the statistics but I'm sure there are some that show more accidents happening where trains pass by bars. It's not just the bars in Flagstaff being right next to the tracks, but it's also the fact that half the town is populated by NAU students. A college student brings an untouchable attitude that makes them believe they can win a race with the train. Add alcohol to that and they think they're a superhero.

In other parts of town, people are facing very difficult life situations that make them feel like they don't want to live anymore. Every one has their own reason and some we'll never know why, but I imagine feeling defeated and not knowing where to go for help could be a common thread.

There are resources out there for people that are thinking of suicide but I'm wondering if as a society do we accept people getting help with their mental health just like we would their physical health?

I see them as equal. We all have our struggles, it's part of being human.

I wish I had a solution for this, but I don't. The best my long hauler brain can think of right now is by looking at other railroads that may be facing similar issues. I find that most things have already been solved somewhere else so recreating the wheel doesn't make sense. After finding out how the railroad fixed their issues, then ask if we think the fix would help Flagstaff's situation.

If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide:

please call 988 - suicide and crisis line. English/Spanish speaking.