You know what sucks? Having to explain to your kids why there are ribbons decorating the High Bridge in St. Paul. It’s not exactly a festive occasion—it’s because of the high rate of suicides.
Lots of people are jumping off the bridge to kill themselves, and the ribbons are an attempt at suicide prevention.
Another person jumped today.
In 2008 the City Pages called the bridge a “suicide hot spot,” and offers the chilling detail that some of the people who jump from the bridge actually survive.
In terms of statistics, the most common method of suicide is firearms. But the public nature of jumping seems to capture the public conscience.
If you are thinking about committing suicide, please talk to someone. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 to get help.