Book author and former "The Bachelor" star Sean Lowe has expressed alarm over the number of reality stars committing suicide.
He shared his thoughts on his blog after the death of Lex McAllister, a contestant on Season 14 of the reality show, and called for reflection on what has been pushing reality show contestants to take their own lives.
McAllister was found in her home last month after she overdosed on pills. The 911 caller reported that McAllister said earlier that day that she wanted to end her life prompting the caller to check up on her, reported TMZ.
While emergency medical personnel were able to transport her to a hospital in stable condition, her body started to shut down and she was eventually taken off life support.
McAllister's death is the third suicide among former contestants of the show following Gia Allemand, who hanged herself in 2013, and Julien Hug, who shot himself in the head in 2010.
In his article on Patheos, Lowe said people should take a closer look at the increasing rates of suicides, citing a New York Post article that counted 21 deaths from reality show contestants since 2004 and a 31 percent increase in the suicide rate in the US more widely.
"Whether the suicide is a depressed mom, a middle aged dad, a veteran, or a reality tv star, we have an epidemic... and we shouldn't look away from it any longer," Lowe said.
In his post, he said suicide was not the answer, no matter how tempting it might be but also acknowledged the issue of the mental illness and the part this plays in people choosing to end their lives.
Still, he urged people to understand the issue through the eyes Julie Gossack, who has had to endure the deaths of five family members who commited suicide.
"Suicide is a sinful choice made by an individual. This statement is neither unloving nor disrespectful. It is the truth," Gossack said.
"Suicide should not be lightly dismissed. It is unimaginably painful and displeasing to God. But for the truly repentant, truly believing, truly justified child of God, God is greater than our sins, even ones that grip is in our dying breaths," he said.
Lowe invited people experiencing sadness and depression to consider Christianity, suggesting that this was where true hope could be found.
"I don't know how to address this issue without getting all Christian on you. Know why? Because the world doesn't really offer much hope. That's why you see beautiful, wealthy people commit suicide as well as people who might be considered outcasts," he said.
To press his point, he cited Matthew Wireman, a Christian who has struggled with suicidal thoughts himself. Wireman advises those who entertain similar thoughts to always find their "happy place."
"God invites you to embrace this sadness, for on the other side lies hope. It may only be a flickering flame, yet it pushes back the darkness. Hear your maker's voice asking, 'Where are you?' (Gen 3.9). And as your head is heavy with grief, you hear his voice again saying, 'My soul is so sorrowful, even to death' (Matt 26.38). You hear him as he weeps and cries out in anguish. You feel the torment. You grieve. You feel helpless. And yet, you hear his voice again asking, 'Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' (Jn 20.15)," Wireman said.
