Sept. 10 marked World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day was Sept. 10. It was a day that will be overshadowed by events on the following day that are embedded in every American’s mind. While there will be memorials held across the country to remember those lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, let us take a moment and think about what World Suicide Prevention Day is all about.
The American Association of Suicidology and the World Health Organization estimate that over one million people die by suicide each year. That equals to about 3,000 people dying by suicide each day in this world. Of those deaths, more than 30,000 occur in the United States each year. In 2009, 2,854 people died by suicide in Florida including 104 suicide deaths in Lee County. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, but in Florida, it is the second leading cause of death for 25-34 year olds. And for every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.
Many cases of suicide can prevented. We have recently learned that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have been linked to suicide. The military has documented numerous suicides that can be attributed to TBI. We have also learned that this is not an isolated incident within the military, but with NFL players as well as high school football players. Over the years, we have also learned that certain drugs have been linked to suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in children. The FDA took action and required pharmaceutical companies to include the black box warning on these medications.
Research has shown that 80 percent of those who died by suicide left warning signs. Do not allow pride, shame, social stigma or economics prevent you or someone you love from getting help that can save a life. It is our responsibility, as a community, to address the issue of suicide prevention and to have resources available. No one would think twice about locating a doctor or oncologist if you learn that a family member or friend has cancer. Or sharing the name of your cardiologist if a friend suspects a heart problem. So why are we still at a loss when it comes to helping people who are suffering with a mental illness?
As a child, I remember when we whispered the word cancer. And then it was HIV and AIDS. The medical community has been referring to mental illness as a brain disease or psychological disease trying to eliminate the stigma associated with this term. I have always believed that mental illness, brain disease or psychological disease would be the last medical condition to come out of the closet. Let that happen for you on this day.
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, learn the risk factors of suicide and the warning signs.
Warning signs may include feelings of hopelessness, increase alcohol or drug use, rage, withdrawal from family and friends, unable to sleep or sleeping too much, dramatic mood changes, talking about hurting oneself, acting reckless or engaging in risky activities. I also ask you to light a candle in your window at 8 p.m. to show your support of suicide prevention as well as to remember a loved one who has died by suicide and for the families of those who are left behind.
If you have lost a loved one or friend to suicide, please know that you are not alone. There is a new web site with a plethora of information and resources available to you at www.suicidefindinghope.com . Also, Hope Hospice offers a Survivor of Suicide Support Group meeting twice a month. And Nov. 19 is International Survivors of Suicide Day which entails over 300 healing conferences around the world, including an event at Edison State College.
If you are feeling desperate, hopeless or in suicidal crisis or know someone who needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free and confidential 24-hour hotline.
Teresa Tate
Past Region 8 Director
Florida Suicide
Prevention Coalition
Cape Coral