Suicides leave questions for loved ones

By Timothy Pratt

Friday, Nov. 22, 2002 | 9:50 a.m.

In the nine years since her son killed himself in Las Vegas, Linda Flatt has sought answers.

Still, she says, most experts have told her they don't really know why Nevada has the highest suicide rate in the lower 48 states.

"They talk about the state's transient population, where people come with expectations from other areas and when those are not met, there's no support.

"Or they mention the elderly population, or the 24-hour access to addictive processes. Or the crisis in mental health," she said. "But they don't have all the answers."

One thing's for sure -- with 21.3 of 100,000 residents committing suicide every year, the state is home to thousands who are left to cope with the trauma that comes with this tragic event.

Including Flatt, 59, whose son Paul, killed himself in 1993, at the age of 25. She began a suicide support group in Las Vegas three years later and now helps others deal with suicides in their homes and workplaces through a variety of activities -- including a conference Saturday.

Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sawyer State Office Building, the event is part of the fourth annual National Survivors of Suicide Day. It will be linked to more than 30 other similar events around the nation through a satellite broadcast.

Flatt said the 2003 Legislature will have the opportunity to pass into law its first statewide strategy for preventing suicide, including the approval of funding for two full-time employees dedicated to solving the problem.

Meanwhile, Saturday's conference is to help family members and friends with the emotions left behind by the deaths of their loved ones.

"I educated myself after my son died, when I knew I needed help," Flatt said.

"Now I want to pass on what I learned."