Panel discussion teaches statistics, warning signs of suicide: ‘You don’t have to suffer in silence’

EDITOR’S NOTE — This article includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

WARNER ROBINS — A recent assembly, aimed at promoting suicide awareness and prevention in Warner Robins, was held at Fellowship Bible Baptist Church on Sep. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day. The panel, consisting of industry professionals and individuals with personal experiences, was organized to provide hope and healing. 

The discussion focused on understanding the warning signs of suicide and the importance of early intervention.

The panel, moderated by Willis Raines, Reclaiming Ground CEO, featured:

• Allen Hammond, an HR & production supervisor, Master Resilience trainer and SafeTalk trainer at Robins Air Force Base
• Houston County Coroner James Williams
• Dr. Tonja Simmons-Lee, a school-based mental health services coordinator for Bibb County School District
• Minister Quincy Hall

Williams spoke first, providing statistics. He said nationally, around 50,000 died from suicide in 2024, about five people per hour.

Last year, according to Williams, Houston County saw around 23 suicides. The county has reached that number again this year, with the holidays still upcoming.

Deaths ranged widely in age from teenagers to the elderly, with a majority from 18 to 35 years old. Out of 15 homicide cases this year, three have involved suicide as well, Williams said.

“We see a lot of people going through first holidays without a loved one, whether it’s from a death or divorce or whatever it might be,” Williams said. “We usually see a rise in suicides in the later part of the year from around the holiday season. So it is alarming to look at the numbers.”

Hammond shared statistics from Robins Air Force Base. While he was unable to give exact numbers, he said suicides on base peaked around 2015, with the installation leading the Air Force overall.

Since then, Robins has implemented programs to spread awareness, such as SafeTalk, lowering the suicide rate, Hammond mentioned.

“[SafeTalk] opens up communication for the whole community to be suicide alert, because in order for us to help this situation, we have to know what to look for. We have to know what to do when we see those signs that are given to us,” Hammond said.

Hall spoke from a personal perspective on the impact suicide had on his family, remembering his youngest brother, who passed away in 2019. He called his brother’s death one of the worst days of his life.

Hall described his brother as determined and successful, who played professional football in Canada and was featured on SportsCenter. He and his brother became close after both began to start families.

Hall’s mother told him that his brother and wife were in a domestic dispute. Knowing he needed alone time to process emotions, Hall gave his brother space for the night and tried to call him in the morning. 

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach him throughout the day, Hall received another call from his mother while at work, informing him that his brother had committed suicide.

“I called my wife. I wasn’t in any shape to drive home. They came and picked me up, took me home, and then I just was numb. I really didn’t know how to process it,” Hall said.

The last time Hall spoke to his brother was three days before. His suicide left the family with speculation, and Hall with guilt before acceptance of his brother’s decision.

“I could always talk to him and he would share things with me that may have been difficult to share with anybody else. I don’t know if it would have changed the outcome, but it’s just one of those things that just sticks with me, that maybe if I would have called him that night, I would still be able to have a conversation with him today,” Hall said.

Now, he is determined to take his experience and use it to help others in similar situations.

“You don’t have to suffer in silence. You have friends, family members, loved ones, people that love you, that ultimately, if you’re feeling down, depressed, [having] suicidal ideations, there’s resources out there,” Hall said.

Simmons-Lee and Hall identified risk factors and protective factors from his story.

Hall said his brother would have unprocessed anger combined with an injury from playing football. A protective factor would have been his healthy relationship with his brother.

Other warning signs include:

• Appearing mostly depressed or sad 
• Suicidal ideation (talking about death or suicide)
• Appearing more unkempt than usual
• Showing up late to or cancelling commitments
• Difficulty concentrating at work, home or school
• No longer enjoying work, hobbies or activities
• Increase in sadness, worry, dread, rage, or anger
• Increasing self-blame or criticism
• Indecisiveness
• Dramatic mood changes
• Cuts or bruising in various stages of healing
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Strange or erratic behavior
• Distorted body image
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

Raines stressed the importance of reserving judgment towards suicide victims, learning warning signs and speaking openly about feelings. He encouraged the audience to engage in open and honest conversations about mental health. Closing the assembly, he invited the crowd to place faith in God.

“You don’t have to carry the burden anymore, any longer. Jesus died on the cross for your sins,” Raines said. “You don’t have to carry the guilt and the pain because when He died on the cross, He wanted to exchange your pain for His love and for His righteousness.”

To watch the full assembly, visit Fellowship Bible Baptist Church’s Facebook page.