WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. --

It happened at a gun range in Delray Beach. A 41-year-old man visiting from Canada took his own life.

Wednesday in Port St. Lucie, a suicidal man was confronted by police outside a bank. With a shotgun to his chin, an officer earned his trust. Then, that officer fired a less than lethal shotgun, which fired small beanbags instead of bullets.

If it seems like suicides are up, they are.

"There is definitely an increase in completed suicides," said Dr. Johnathan Greenfield, the medical director of Columbia Hospital's Department of Psychiatry. Greenfield said nationally suicides have now surpassed murders as the economy has left people sad.

"Most of us have a reserve, either a reserve financially, a reserve emotionally," said Greenfield. "You have a support system. But these very tough economic times people don't have a reserve; they're really at the bottom."

They're noticing the change at 211 Palm Beach Treasure Coast. "We're always here if you need anything in the future," said a resource specialist who calls herself "Alice" when she takes distress calls.

At this telephone resource center, the suicidal calls used to come mainly at night. But now they can expect them any time of day.

"A family in crisis where the father did commit suicide so his family could qualify for services," said Patrice Schroeder, community relations specialist.

They are gut-wrenching stories, ones these dedicated professionals are trying to prevent.

"Before you hurt yourself or someone you love, call 211. There are other options out there," said Schroeder.

211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast has also set up an instant message service for teenagers who need help. It can be accessed through www.teen211pbtc1.org or through www.aim.com. The IM screen name is teen211pbtc1.

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