With a population approaching 70,000, Redondo Beach is one of the trios of so-called “beach cities” in the greater Los Angeles area. A hundred years ago, Redondo Beach was referred to as the “gem of the continent by the long-defunct Los Angeles Daily Herald. Redondo Beach is known for its relaxed, casual lifestyle and its wildly popular beach.

Despite how pleasing life can be in Redondo Beach, the city has a suicide rate that essentially mirrors the national average. The suicide rate in the Redondo Beach is at about 13 such deaths for every 100,000 people. This number is up from about 10 suicide deaths per 100,000 only a few years ago. There is a considerable amount of debate as to why the increase in the suicide rate has occurred in recent years. An estimated 25 people attempt to take their lives in Redondo Beach (and in other U.S. communities) for every person who does commit suicide. Dozens more people in the community at least think about taking their lives during the course of any given year. This includes Redondo Beach residents from all walks of life and in a wide range of age groups, including children in middle school and older.

The number of suicides by firearm in Redondo Beach appears to be slightly higher than the national average. With that said, a considerably larger percentage of men use a gun to take their own lives than do women, in Redondo Beach and nationally.

The Case of a Redondo Beach Union High School Student

Fortunately, the number of students at Redondo Beach Union High School who have taken their lives is low. Nonetheless, any time a student takes his or her life, it is a tragedy. Unfortunately, Redondo Beach Union High School students have been impacted by suicide.

A student at Redondo Beach Union High School was the first person in his family to discover that his father had taken his own life, using a firearm to do so. In order to protect his privacy, his name has been changed to Matt. The event was truly a life-altering experience for this young man.

After finding his deceased father, Matt began to experience not only tremendous grief but also significant guilt. His mother and staff from his school worked with Matt to assist him in accessing supportive services to assist him in working through his grief and other emotions.

Redondo Beach Suicide Cleanup: Protection From Potential Biohazards

All suicides are emotionally challenging for survivors. In addition, suicides that involve the use of a firearm or knife present another level of challenge for survivors – the need for safe, thorough, and comprehensive suicide cleanup. There are a number of reasons why the loved ones of a person who takes his or her own life in this manner should not undertake suicide cleanup on their own.

As mentioned, losing a loved one by suicide is emotionally challenging in its own right. Undertaking a suicide cleanup would serve to significantly and negatively enhance the difficult emotions associated with this type of tragic loss.

In addition, loved ones run the risk of exposing themselves to dangerous biohazards, including bloodborne pathogens, if they attempt a suicide cleanup on their own. Specialized, professional biohazard cleanup is the course to take to properly protect the health and welfare of survivors of suicide. These can include pathogens that cause:

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • MRSA

Assistance for Redondo Beach Survivors of Suicide

In many situations, a survivor of suicide finds it challenging to work through the grieving process associated with losing someone in this manner. A survivor of suicide may need additional assistance, including in the form of a support group as well as possibly individual counseling or therapy. One resource for a person grieving the loss of a loved one through suicide is Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, an organization that serves residents of Redondo Beach. Information about Redondo Beach area suicide survivor groups can be accessed at (310) 895-2326.

Suicide Prevention Resources in Redondo Beach Residents

Didi Hirsch also has different suicide prevention resources as well for Redondo Beach residents. This includes a 24-hour suicide crisis hotline that can be reached at (800) 273-8255.

There exists an array of warning signs that may indicate a person is contemplating taking his or her own life. According to the Mayo Clinic, these signs include:

  • Talking about suicide
  • Obtaining the means to commit suicide
  • Social withdrawal
  • Severe mood swings
  • Preoccupation with death
  • The trapped or hopeless feeling
  • Increased use of mind-altering substances
  • Alteration of normal routines
  • Engaging in risky behavior
  • Giving away belongings
  • Intense goodbyes to other people
  • Personality changes

In some instances, warning signs are not obviously evident. According to Matt and his family, there were no evident signs that the young man’s father was contemplating taking his own life. 

Photo Courtesy of Amblin new

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