A fishing acquaintance, Colin, appeared revitalized after loss and excited about a new relationship but died by suicide, surprising friends who saw no clear warning signs. Many survivors and acquaintances experience confusion and guilt, wondering what they missed and believing the person seemed happy. Apparent happiness and social engagement can coexist with ongoing internal struggles, and connection with others can mask risk. Reliance on known risk factors alone is insufficient. Detecting the transition from risk to active suicidal intent is crucial but often subtle and not outwardly obvious. September is suicide prevention awareness month, highlighting the need for vigilance.
He was telling me how Silver Creek, a river near him in Idaho, just wasn't producing as it had been. Glenn never felt he dialed in this rather technical stream until someone introduced him to Colin (name disguised), a young man who knew the nuances of fishing this blue-ribbon water that Hemingway himself frequented. Colin, in his early 30s, and Glenn, a talented fly fisherman himself and retiree, had hit it off and fished together a lot this past spring.
Many people who encounter the death-by-suicide of someone they never expected it from become confused and frustrated. Like them, Glenn lamented, "What did I miss? We could've helped this guy." He continued that there simply were no signs of trouble, and Colin seemed "so happy." I consoled him, "It isn't always obvious. Perhaps he was happy for your good company despite his ongoing struggles."
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