Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Covid-19's Other Cost: Suicide

This post was written by a 27-year old male from the metro area:


Coronavirus, COVID-19, whatever you want to call it, not only is causing havoc and sickening thousands, it also is creating a mental health crisis - suicide.

My friend killed himself last week, after losing both of his jobs (both retail-related) due to having "non-essential" jobs.  He was only 28, and like many others, had overextended himself with a mortgage, car payment and credit card debt, which basically led him to living check-to-check.  When he killed himself he was down to less than $10 in his checking account.  His roommate found him in his bed unconscious and called 911.  It was too late to save him.

The cause of death is listed as an overdose of opiates, but this does not tell the story of who my friend really was.  He would do almost anything for anyone.  He let people with nowhere to live stay with him.  He would give a broke friend $5 just to get a hamburger.  He let people borrow his car to run their errands.  He was one of the most intelligent people I knew, but he just didn’t know what he wanted to be when he “grew up”.  He had a college degree, but he wasn’t working in anything related to his major.

COVID-19 is doing far more damage than infecting people with a virus.  Deaths from the virus now include a new category:  Suicide.

Please open up the country again and let’s get back to living.  Those who need extra precautions can take them, but the rest of us need to move forward.

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sad, sad, sad. But don't blame COVID-19. This young man had set himself up for disaster long before anyone ever heard of the virus.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...

Anonymous said...

Well go to work....everything is essential.

Go deliver food.

Go get a job at a nursing home or ER.

Nobody is stopping anyone from getting a job.

By all means go and provide for yourself.

This guy overdoses and this trump infused click bait blug runs with it?

Dirty laundry

Anonymous said...

how did he end up with enough opiates to kill himself?

sad that people feel there’s no way out and have to resort to this. he must have had underlying mental problems that were intensifying due to the situation.

that being said—even when the restrictions are lifted, retail isn’t going to bounce back instantly. it’s going to take a long time.

Anonymous said...

I'm going to play devil's advocate here. As horrific as this young man's death is, it is not because of COVID19. That was the excuse. We have an entire generation (probably two generations in reality) that have no idea how to cope with struggle. Far too many have relied on the adults around them to "protect and shield" them from life and all it bumps and hazards. They have been protected right into a bubble. They have not faced hard times, many have never worked until they leave college. They can't manage their finances, they have NO CLUE about the day-to-day reality that we call "life". For this young man to commit suicide, he obviously had some deeply seated issues.

Anonymous said...

... and this trump infused click bait blug runs with it?

Thanks for reading, commenting and helping to pay the JJ bills.

Your shower is optional.

Anonymous said...

Some of you people are horrible.

Anonymous said...

I'm going to go with 8:48, while suicide is a mental illness(I lost my mom to suicide), many of these people these days don't know how to deal with stress, and don't know how to survive. You can always find a job. It may not be cool, or hip, and you may actually have to lace some boots up and do some manual labor, but you can find work, even during a pandemic.

2 jobs in retail with a college degree, overextended with a mortgage, credit card debt, and car loan says he was already in over his head. He needed debt counseling years ago. You can always let them take the car back and buy a beater, sell the house and rent an apartment split with people until you can actually afford to buy a house. This is the reason lax mortgage lending regulations are a bad thing. No money down, and letting people buy houses that aren't worth what they are selling for doesn't allow people to get rid of them and get the equity out, rather they are upside down in both vehicle and house.


This isn't the Coronavirus, this is making uneducated decisions, not being cautious, living above your means, and not taking steps to help yourself, but rather just doing drugs to make the problem go away. But its always more convenient to blame it on the issue at hand.

Anon-E-Mouse said...

@928: there are 90,000 unemployed people in Mississippi that can’t find a job because the economy was shut down in fear of a virus.

It’s sad this guy overextended his credit and OD’d. But it’s tough out there.

Anonymous said...

So, 9:28AM, it appears that there are people who with underlying mental issues that make them susceptible to dying from the virus panic and associated repercussions, and people who are physically susceptible dying from the virus because of underlying physical health conditions. There is a balance that needs to be struck. We aren't too far out from seeing some serious backlash from the lock-down.

Anonymous said...

Why isn't the government and the all the millionaires and billionaires doing more to help us? They got their money from us!

Anonymous said...

Debt counseling is already too late. Our national debt driven consumptive gluttony is far more virulent and deadly than any Chinese Wuhan virus.

Anonymous said...

Money doesn't quarantine.

Anonymous said...

First, we don't know that his death was a suicide. The death certificate will indicate drug overdose, unless there was a note. Secondly, the death cannot be blamed on Covid-Hunan-Booman virus.

Your friend was no doubt already depressed and fast-tracking toward sure destruction. Based on a careful reading of your initial post, your friend, although a valuable person who was dear to you and others, was not blessed with the ability or will to make good decisions.

Anonymous said...

8:48 - BINGO!!! You nailed it. I've been saying the exact same thing for years. Much of this PTSD of returning soldiers can be blamed more on the life they lived prior to their service than their life in the service. I can only imagine how much PTSD we'll see after this current situation is over.

Anonymous said...

... was not blessed with the ability or will to make good decisions.

A "careful reading" of 258 words helped you determine the nature of the man's will?

Anonymous said...

Notice how some people are so full of fear that they won't care how isolation is having a negative impact, just so long as their safe from a virus.

Anonymous said...

10:24..........
Have you served? Have you fought? Have you KILLED? Have you died(on the inside)?
STFU !!!! Speaking of what you have no knowledge; about those who gave their all so you may type your drivel .

Anonymous said...

@ April 14, 2020 at 10:23 AM
The cause of death may not be listed as suicide. From first hand experience with the fentanyl/opioid death of a family member, it might be listed as a suicide or it might be listed as an accidental overdose. The ME who did the autopsy on my family member determined that his levels of fentanyl and opioids (a very lethal combo) was just over the lethal dosage for that. They were able to test the potency of the fentanyl left over in the vial on his nightstand to make this determination. So in his case the ME listed his cause of death as an accidental overdose. But to be clear, anyone who plays with this opioids and or fentanyl combo is just biding their time until it kills them. And as much as it pains me to says this, he was also of this generation that has no clue of what real life is. He was one of those overly sheltered Gen Xers that thought life was so unfair as he drove the car his parents purchased for him, in the clothes they paid for, to the college he attended.

Anonymous said...

This is a very sad story, regardless. I'd bet a significant percentage of 20-somethings are living paycheck-to-paycheck. If he's the homeowner and has a roommate or two, then it's not necessarily a bad investment -- unless they're out of work, too. Legitimate banks and credit card companies will work with you if you're having trouble paying due to layoff, etc. He probably had a tax refund and a stimulus check coming as well. Maybe he was good to others but didn't have someone looking out for him, so without level-headed counsel he panicked.

Calm Down said...

The unintended consequences of the lockdown and the cratering of the economy will reverberate long after we've come to grips with the wuhan flu. A job represents dignity and purpose. The loss of that job has many ripples. This young man won't be the last of these that we hear about.

Anonymous said...

When faced with suffering, I think it's human nature to try to make sense out of it by figuring out how "you brought this on yourself." This isn't new. Job's friends was sure that he did something horrible to cause his own suffering, and accused him of lying about it when he insisted he had done nothing. When we assign fault to the sufferer, we compound the suffering. That's my $0.02.

Anonymous said...

@9:56AM Keep looking to the government and the "millionaires and billionaires" for answers to your problems and let me know how that goes. What specific millionaire/billionaire took your money, and how?

Did you report it to authorities?

Anonymous said...

17 million unemployed is far more damaging than 23,000 coronavirus deaths.

Anonymous said...

Some really awful comments here. RIP young man.

Anonymous said...

I hope that it is only women commenting how "awful" and "horrible" some comments are for this post. Otherwise, you need to turn in your man card because you are limp wristed Nancy.

Anonymous said...

11:10, A chicken hawk is what I would call 10:24! Never saw combat a day in his life but loves to send other people’s kids to fight and die, bet he has a “support the troops” sticker on his trucks back glass next to the Yeti sticker.

Anonymous said...

Most returning soldiers commit suicide after they realise that their sacrifice was not for their country, but instead as cannon fodder to profit Military Industrial Complex and the Federal Reserve Bank. Just ask any PTSD counselor what the most common question and rage inducing epiphany is for a vet... what was it all for?

Anonymous said...

And, suicide solves what??

Anonymous said...

I have no first hand knowledge but I suspect 3.20 is correct.

The Unsilent Majority said...

28 years old, that’s a sad deal. Passing judgement on decisions or backbone of this kid is wrong on every level. To the guy above saying anyone saying this is awful or horrible is a woman. I don’t have to know who you are to tell you, I’d whip your ass in about 2 seconds. If you think different, post your name. Suicide can only happen when someone has such a distorted view of their reality, that they feel they can never get out of it. There is never such a scenario, talk to someone about your thoughts and feelings, don’t get trapped in your head with these ideas. Rest In Peace dude, thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.