Mental health advocates emphasize importance of knowing the signs of suicide

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — 45-year-old Eleazar Oceguera committed suicide in the back of a police cruiser on Sunday.

It happened in a matter of minutes, but the impact will last much longer.

“We are in a mental health crisis,” said Amy Borcheres, vice president of Outpatient at Centerpointe.

Mental health experts said this is a painful reminder that help needs to reach people before they’re in crisis.

“We will never have enough co-responders based on the number of calls for service we get from community members struggling,” said Police Chief Michon Morrow.

While investigators continue to piece together what happened, Borcheres said it highlights a growing need: Better access to mental health support.

“We do have, unfortunately, limited resources in the community, and there are a lot that people can pull together for things,” she said. “But sometimes people don’t know what they are, they aren’t aware of them, and it’s hard to get into a lot of places at the same time.”

Centerpointe works closely with people facing mental illness, addiction, and homelessness — providing resources before pain turns into tragedy.

“Approach them with care, approach them with lack of judgment, and recognize this is something that everyone goes through,” Borcheres said. “And just identifying like ‘Hey, it seems like something is going on, is there any way I can help?'”

Experts said men in their 40s and 50s face some of the highest suicide rates in the country — often hiding their struggles out of fear or stigma.

“There is help out there, you’re not alone, there are people out there that care about you and support you, and though this feels really, really heavy right now, it can get better,” Borcheres said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is here.

You can call or text 988 or call (402)475-6695 to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline anytime, day or night.