"A few, for sure. About four times, actually. And my family's rather small. Suicide has impacted my old friend group quite a bit. I've lost friends. I've lost family. My older brother. My sister's youngest. I never thought I'd have that many people. Alcohol and depression, it comes hand-in-hand. One day the smiles stopped. I don't mind talking about it. You guys are actually talking to the right person."
"Growing up here, you could feel very isolated. The truth is I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. Everywhere I went I just didn't feel like I had enough of me in me. It's a battle, for sure. Sometimes it's a little voice in the back of your ear. I've looked at a full prescription of pills I had, and I'm just like, 'just this, and it can all just be ...' But I never went through with it, cause I'm still here!"
Indigenous metalheads at a Blackfeet Nation heavy music festival report profound loss from suicide and substance abuse across families and friend groups. Several people recount multiple suicide deaths, attempted suicides, and pervasive feelings of isolation and not belonging. Many connect alcohol and depression, and describe intrusive suicidal thoughts and prescription pill temptations. Coping resources include music, live shows, skateboarding, keeping hands busy, and family responsibilities such as children and concern for relatives. Participants emphasize speaking openly, mutual visibility of perseverance, and the sustaining influence of love and communal presence in preventing further deaths.
Read at High Country News
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