The long loneliness

"Church" means assembly: It is not good for us to be alone. Today's Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that loneliness is an unhealthy condition. More than 700,000 people die by suicide each year: about 132 a day in the United States. For every suicide, there are more than 20 attempts. Mental illness and substance abuse contribute to the crisis, but marginalized groups are at highest risk: migrants, indigenous people, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and prisoners. The feeling of alienation is real but also preventable. Call or text the crisis hotline at 988 to seek help for yourself or someone you love.