ADANTA -
Suicide Prevention Awareness — There is HOPE !
By Tracie R . Horton , CEO / Executive Director The Adanta Group
We are facing a new public health crisis , one that is stealing the life of 1 person every 11 minutes . That crisis is suicide . Suicide is defined as injuring oneself with the intent to die . According to the Centers for Disease Control , in 2020 in the U . S . alone , nearly 46,000 people completed suicide . The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher . An estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide , 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt , and 1.2 million attempted suicide .
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized , and often taboo , topic . This month is an opportunity to shine the light on this devastating issue , to shift public perception , spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide .
The painful reality :
• 2020 research numbers indicated suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64 , and was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34 .
• Some groups have higher suicide rates than others . Suicide rates vary by race / ethnicity , age , and other factors , such as where someone lives . By race / ethnicity , the groups with the highest rates were non-Hispanic American Indian / Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White populations . Other Americans with higher than average rates of suicide are veterans , people who live in rural areas , and workers in certain industries and occupations like mining and construction . Young people who identify as lesbian , gay , or bisexual have higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behavior compared to their peers who identify as heterosexual .
• Suicidal thoughts , much like mental health conditions , can affect anyone regardless of age , gender or background .
In fact , suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition . Suicidal thoughts , although common , should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues .
• Suicide has a far-reaching impact . Someone once said , “ Suicide doesn ’ t end the pain . It only gives it to someone else .” Suicide and suicide attempts can cause serious emotional and physical trauma . People who attempt suicide and survive may experience serious injuries that can have long-term effects on their health . They may also experience depression and other mental health concerns .
• Suicide and suicide attempts also affect the health and well-being of friends , loved ones , co-workers , and the community . When people die by suicide , their surviving family and friends may experience shock , anger , guilt , symptoms of depression or anxiety , and may even experience thoughts of suicide themselves .
Many factors contribute to suicide risk .
Suicide is rarely caused by a single circumstance or event . Instead a range of factors – at the individual , relationship , community and societal levels – can increase risk . These risk factors are situations or problems that can increase the possibility that a person will attempt suicide . Examples of risk factors could include : previous suicide attempt , history of depression and other mental illness , serious illness or chronic pain , criminal or legal problems , job / financial problems or loss , impulsive tendencies , access to lethal means , substance misuse , social isolation , and a sense of hopelessness .
Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence . For example , people who have experienced violence , including bullying , child abuse or sexual violence have a higher risk of suicide .
Many factors can reduce the risk of
44 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky September 2022