(Program WGR11611)
Guest:  Fr. Chris Alar
As we make our way through the on-going challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, many are suffering under the weight of fear and anxiety, stress and loneliness, worry and uncertainty. Couple that with the social and political unrest that has plagued our nation, and the perfect storm may well be set for an increased number of suicides. While US numbers are unavailable for 2020, we can look at what has happened in Japan, a country that hasn’t experienced its first lock-down much less an anticipated second one. In October of this year, Japan saw an 83% increase in suicides among women compared to the same month a year ago. For men, the increase was 22% over the same time period of time. The staggering increase suggests the emotional side-effects of Covid 19 is taking its toll there, say suicide experts. 

 The deceased are not the only victims of suicide, however. What of the loved ones left behind, the ones engulfed in the wake of the dearly departed’s decision? How do they make it through? Here to give us insight and inspiration is our guest, Father Chris Alar, a priest with the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, an international speaker, and no stranger to you, our EWTN viewers. Father Chris is the author of After Suicide: There’s Still Hope for Them and You.