Submitted by Lisa Griffith, BRiDGES Intern
(Chittenango, NY – Oct. 2013) Suicide is something that is not often talked about, but should be. Unfortunately it is becoming more common and can be prevented.
Thousands of people commit suicide every year. In 2010 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 38, 364 suicides were reported in the U.S. That means that someone in the country died by suicide every 13.7 minutes of every day (www.afsp.org) and this rate grows every year. Suicide can be prevented. Anyone, regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic status can have suicidal thoughts. The best way to prevent suicide is to be informed, know what to look for in an individual, know what to say and know what to ask a person that may be considering suicide. Most people who are considering suicide want to talk about it, they just aren’t sure how or to who.
There are many warning signs you can look for, such as; withdrawal, depression, anxiety, drug/alcohol abuse or dependence, a family history of suicide attempt or prior suicide attempt or change in personality or character. Listen for comments about suicide and remember they should always be taken seriously because 50 to 75 percent of people who attempt suicide told someone about it, but were not taken seriously (www.afsp.org).
Those who work in schools, hospitals and human service agencies are most important. You are the person an individual may feel most comfortable talking to. It is important that we are educated and informed about suicide, how to prevent it and how to help a person cope if he or she has been affected by suicide.
Please join us for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Jim Marshall Farms in Chittenango. The walk raises money for the AFSP, suicide prevention and postvention research. Help us prevent suicide, save lives and support those individuals who have been affected by suicide. If we work together as a community, we have a better chance of saving someone’s life.
For more information, to register and donate please go to: http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2415
There are many trainings and workshops available to inform people about suicide, the risk factors and warning signs, and how to talk with someone who may be considering suicide. There are many organizations and agencies that provide free information, trainings and workshops to help educate. It’s time to take a stand, get informed and talk about suicide. Look for upcoming trainings and other workshops in your community.
A positive step(s) for a subject desperately needing as much attention and support as possible. It remains a silent problem, and the main problem is silence itself.
Mental health issues, depression & suicide(s) that stem from feelings of self worth and a loss of hope in my view. It is a subject seldom addressed in any formal manner and when it suddenly sneaks up on an individual (personal view) there is no ‘I know what to do’ information base to draw from. Education is always the first step in solving problems.
Stigmas need be removed and tools to listen and respond made available. It is our mission to help whenever possible. Hope the weather is good…