Please be more certain that your headlines accurately reflect the story's content. The article on the front page of the print edition, “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month follows pandemic spike in attempts,” (Sept. 20), explores suicidal thoughts (aka suicidal ideation, or SI) yet has no information showing more suicide attempts. As one who has worked in the field for over 30 years, and experienced significant SI myself, I know that there is a huge difference between SI and suicidal actions. Ryan DeCosta, cited in the story, is a great example of having the thoughts and learning to take no action on them.

Also, you discuss the isolation of the pandemic as a trigger to SI. While this is true, it is also important to note that many of the treatments that have helped people with SI have been changed or absent. Therapy has been limited to video calls; group programs have been canceled. In-person therapy is far more effective than teletherapy and many group programs are highly effective in preventing suicide attempts.

So please stop writing misleading headlines and do more fully report on the causes of our current crisis.

Eric Sandberg

Bozrah