Country Song Played Out in Real Life

Written by Rachel on February 28, 2013

Last Monday we wrote a blog about the tragic death of country singer Mindy McCready.  We covered her dual diagnosis as depicted on “Celebrity Rehab,” but what really made McCready a high risk for suicide? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed specific risk factors on their website, which include:

• Previous suicide attempts
• History of mental Illness
• History of alcohol and/or substance abuse
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Impulsive aggressive tendencies
• Loss (relational, financial, work, social)

McCready had many of these risk factors. She had previous suicide attempts in 2005 and 2008, she has always struggled with substance abuse and mental illness and she lost her boyfriend, who had recently committed suicide. She also faced the loss of custody of her children. Billy McKnight, McCready’s ex who was once charged with attempting to kill her, spoke out. He told the “Today” show: “She’s just been battling demons for so long. I was around her when she attempted suicide twice, so I knew it was in her. I can’t say that it shocked me, no.”

You may not know that someone is actively suicidal because they are not verbally making suicidal threats. They may have some of these risk factors, but aren’t talking about them. Sometimes there is just a last straw that breaks them.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call 1-800-273-8255. Talk to someone.

Do you have insight about addiction and suicide? Share your thoughts below or on our Facebook page. Your ideas may help someone understand more and may even save a life.