Local mental health advocates speak out after Music Star Naomi Judd dies by suicide

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is speaking out after learning country singer Naomi Judd died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In fact, the foundation said firearms are one of the leading causes of suicide in Ohio in 2019.

“32% of female suicides and nearly 60% of male suicides involved a firearm,” said Keiko Talley, The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Spokeswoman.

It's been 12 days since the world learned with sadness that the legendary superstar of country music Naomi Judd died after battling a mental illness.

This week her daughter, Ashley Judd invited ABC’s Diane Sawyer to come to her home in Tennessee for something that the family wanted to say about their mother's life and the importance of seeking help.

MORE | Daughter of Naomi Judd talks about mental health after loss

"I discovered her. I have both grief and trauma from discovering her,” said Ashley Judd during her interview with Diane Sawyer.

She said her mom suffered from depression and died of a self-inflicted firearm wound and it wasn't easy to share that detail.

Judd said the family reluctantly shared the cause of death before it became public in some other way, but prays the rest of the details will remain private.

"My mother is entitled to her dignity and her privacy. And so there are some things that we would just like to retain as a family. And so I with be very careful when we talk about this today that for anyone who is having those ideas or those impulses, you know, to talk to someone, to share, to be open, to be vulnerable. there is a national suicide hotline," said Judd.

There are also plenty of resources within our community.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation just launched a campaign to talk about firearm safety. The foundation told ABC6/FOX 28 that a recent study showed 1 in 10 gun purchases happen just within a week of a suicide.

"Even if you are struggling just asking a friend, hey can you store my firearm for me right now, I’m just kind of going through something, those can reduce suicides significantly,” said Talley.

Even if you think someone is ok, health advocates said it's important to know the warning signs.

"Giving away prized possessions, being withdrawn or isolated from your friends and family. Even a sudden change in your appearance or your personality, your sleep habits,” said Talley.

There will be a televised memorial for Naomi this Sunday. It will air live on CMT.

If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text "talk" to 741-741.

You can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 or you can text The Ohio Crisis Text Line by typing “4HOPE” to 741-741 for free confidential help.

Both lines are staffed by trained counselors 24/7.

You can also visit www.ohiospf.org